Kansas City Royals Add Nine-Time All-Star Reliever Craig Kimbrel to Bullpen
Right-handed reliever Craig Kimbrel is joining the Kansas City Royals on a major league contract, marking his third team this season and the 12th franchise of his 17-year career, according to reports from MLB.com and the New York Post on Sunday. The 38-year-old veteran is expected to be activated in time for the Royals' upcoming game on Monday night against the Los Angeles Dodgers. Kansas City’s bullpen entered weekend play struggling with a 5.32 ERA, performing better than only the Athletics in Major League Baseball, prompting the front office to add low-risk, high-upside relief depth.
Sitting 13 games out in the American League Central and 10 1/2 games behind the third and final AL wild-card spot, the Royals view the addition of the nine-time All-Star as a low-risk opportunity to stabilize late-inning options. Kimbrel became available after electing free agency on Thursday upon clearing waivers from the Tampa Bay Rays. The Rays had designated him for assignment on August 3 at the trade deadline following a brief tenure with the club, where he made 19 relief appearances and compiled an 0-0 record with a 3.86 ERA.
Read More ›
Navigating a Turbulent Season Across Multiple MLB Franchises
Kimbrel's move to Kansas City caps off a moving season that saw him suit up for multiple franchises in quick succession. He began his year with the New York Mets, where he posted an 0-2 record with a 6.00 ERA across 14 relief outings, striking out 15 batters and walking six in 15 innings without recording a save.
After refusing a minor league assignment with the Mets on May 26, Kimbrel became a free agent and subsequently signed with Tampa Bay on May 25. His final appearance for the Rays came on August 2, when he allowed two runs on one hit and two walks over one inning during a home loss to the Chicago White Sox.
Historic Save Totals and Active MLB Pitching Benchmarks
Read More ›
Throughout his 17-year major league career, Kimbrel has established himself as one of the most prolific relief pitchers in professional baseball history. He holds a career 56-50 record with a 2.67 ERA and 440 total saves, ranking fifth on MLB's all-time saves list and second among active players behind Detroit's Kenley Jansen.
In addition to his save numbers, Kimbrel has recorded 1,314 strikeouts while issuing 362 walks across 855 1/3 innings pitched in 884 regular-season games, all coming in relief. He currently ranks third among active pitchers in total games played and is tied for 33rd on the all-time appearance list.
Award-Winning Career and Historic Early Success with Atlanta
Kimbrel first rose to prominence following his major league debut at age 21 in 2010 with the Atlanta Braves. He captured the National League Rookie of the Year award in 2011 and went on to lead the National League in saves for four consecutive seasons during his impactful tenure in Atlanta.
His sustained dominance earned him widespread league recognition, including NL Reliever of the Year honors in 2014 and AL Reliever of the Year accolades in 2017. Additionally, he earned nine career All-Star selections spanning from 2011 through 2023 and captured a World Series championship with the Boston Red Sox in 2018.
Read More ›
Bolstering Kansas City's Bullpen Ahead of Los Angeles Series
The Royals hope Kimbrel's vast major league experience can provide stability to a bullpen group that has struggled with consistency throughout the campaign. With Kansas City looking to improve its prevention numbers over the final stretch of the season, adding a proven late-inning arm offers valuable coverage.
Kimbrel will immediately join the active roster as Kansas City prepares to face the Dodgers on Monday night. The move gives the veteran reliever another opportunity to add to his historic career numbers while serving in a key bullpen role for his new club.
