Veteran reliever Craig Kimbrel signs one-year deal with Orioles, solidifying bullpen
According to a source close to the situation, veteran reliever Craig Kimbrel and the Baltimore Orioles have reached an agreement on a one-year deal for the 2024 season, with an option for 2025. The deal is expected to be worth $12 million in ’24 with a $13 million club option ($1 million buyout) for ’25, although the team has not yet confirmed the details.
The addition of Kimbrel is particularly significant for the Orioles, as reigning AL Reliever of the Year Félix Bautista is expected to miss the 2024 season after undergoing Tommy John surgery. Kimbrel’s presence will help solidify the back end of the Orioles’ bullpen alongside All-Star Yennier Cano.
At 35 years old, Kimbrel is one of the most decorated relievers in MLB history. In May, he became the eighth pitcher to record 400 saves and was also selected to his ninth All-Star Game in 2024. Despite a strong regular season with the Phillies in 2023, Kimbrel struggled in the NLCS, leading to his removal from the closer’s role.
Kimbrel’s career stats are impressive, boasting a 2.40 ERA and a 0.99 WHIP over 757 1/3 innings split between several teams. While his postseason performance hasn’t been as strong, with a 4.50 ERA and 5.16 FIP, he did win a World Series ring with the Boston Red Sox in 2018.
Despite his accolades, Kimbrel has struggled with his walk rate in recent seasons, with his walk rate above 10 percent for the past six seasons. Additionally, opposing hitters tend to make loud contact against him, with his hard-hit rate and barrel rate well above the league average.
Nevertheless, Kimbrel still possesses an impressive strikeout rate, with the second-best K/9 rate (14.2) among all pitchers with at least 500 innings pitched in their career. His addition to the Orioles’ bullpen is expected to provide valuable experience and depth in the upcoming seasons.