Baltimore Orioles Secure All-Star Phillies Reliever Craig Kimbrel with One-Year, $13 Million Deal
Baltimore, MD – In a strategic move to bolster their bullpen, the Baltimore Orioles have announced the signing of veteran reliever Craig Kimbrel to a one-year deal worth $13 million. The agreement, confirmed by the team on Wednesday, comes as the Orioles seek to fill the void left by the absence of Félix Bautista, their star closer recovering from Tommy John surgery.
In a symbolic gesture capturing the excitement surrounding his new chapter with the Baltimore Orioles, Craig Kimbrel made a noteworthy statement on social media. Shortly after officially signing a one-year deal with the Orioles, the veteran reliever updated his Twitter profile, replacing his previous Phillies imagery with a striking Orioles 2023 AL East Champions background. The move not only reflects Kimbrel’s eagerness to embrace his role as the Orioles’ closer but also resonates with the fervent fan base anticipating another thrilling season. Orioles supporters quickly took to social media to express their enthusiasm, interpreting the background change as a sign of Kimbrel’s commitment to contributing to the team’s continued success and potentially securing another AL East title in 2024.
Kimbrel, entering his age-36 season, brings a wealth of experience and a formidable track record to the Orioles. In the 2023 season with the Philadelphia Phillies, the right-handed pitcher showcased his prowess with a 3.26 ERA and an impressive 3.36 K/BB ratio over 69 innings. During this period, Kimbrel successfully closed out 23 games in 28 opportunities, solidifying his reputation as a reliable late-game option.
Despite the postseason struggles in the National League Championship Series (NLCS) against the Diamondbacks, Kimbrel’s consistent regular-season performance earned him his ninth All-Star nod. The Orioles, reigning AL East champions, are banking on Kimbrel to play a pivotal role in securing their dominance in the upcoming 2024 season.
With Félix Bautista expected to miss the entire 2024 season, Kimbrel is set to assume the closer role for the Orioles, according to reports from Ken Rosenthal. The seasoned reliever’s ability to deliver under pressure and his extensive postseason experience make him a valuable asset for the team.
Craig Kimbrel’s impressive career boasts a remarkable ERA+ of 171 across 14 seasons in the majors. Currently, he sits at eighth on the all-time saves list with 417, underlining his status as one of the most prolific closers in MLB history. Despite occasional control issues during his decline phase, Kimbrel remains a formidable force on the mound, capable of generating high strikeout totals and maintaining a stingy approach to preventing runs.
The one-year deal includes an option for the 2025 season, providing the Orioles with flexibility as they navigate the challenges of maintaining their competitive edge in the highly competitive American League. This move not only addresses an immediate need for the Orioles but also adds a seasoned veteran presence to the clubhouse, offering guidance and leadership to the younger members of the team.
Orioles fans are undoubtedly excited about the prospect of having Kimbrel don the orange and black, and the front office is optimistic that his addition will strengthen their pursuit of another AL East title. As the 2024 season approaches, all eyes will be on Kimbrel as he aims to continue his legacy as one of the premier closers in the game, now with the Baltimore Orioles.
Baltimore history: Based in Baltimore, the Baltimore Orioles, commonly referred to as the O’s, are a professional baseball team in the United States. Competing in Major League Baseball (MLB) as a member of the American League (AL) East division, the Orioles have a rich history dating back to their inception as one of the eight charter teams in 1901. Originally known as the Milwaukee Brewers, the franchise spent its inaugural season in Milwaukee before relocating to St. Louis in 1902 and adopting the name St. Louis Browns. In 1953, the team underwent a pivotal change in ownership, as a consortium of Baltimore-based business and civic leaders, led by attorney Clarence Miles and Mayor Thomas D’Alesandro Jr., acquired the franchise. Currently, the Orioles are under the ownership of American trial lawyer Peter Angelos. Oriole Park at Camden Yards, inaugurated in 1992 in downtown Baltimore, proudly serves as the team’s home ballpark.
