What do you get when two desperate parties reach an agreement? The Houston Astros signing Craig Kimbrel, that’s what.
Yes, the former Atlanta Braves lockdown closer has been signed by Houston after the Rangers granted him his release on Thursday. It’s a needed move for the Astros, who are looking to make a push for another AL West title.
Houston holds a slim two game lead over the Seattle Mariners in the West, and their All-Star closer Josh Hader just got shut down with a left shoulder capsule sprain – thus putting his postseason availability in question. The now 37 year-old Kimbrel will immediately join Houston’s big league bullpen in what is likely his final chance to stick on a Major League roster.
Former Brave Craig Kimbrel getting one last chance by joining hobbled Astros bullpen
Kimbrel infamously pitched for the Braves’ Triple-A affiliate for the early portion of the 2025 season.
Many fans clamored for Kimbrel’s call-up as the nostalgia of his dominant 2010-2014 run with Atlanta was too hard to separate from his current talent level for most in Braves country.
It wasn’t until Atlanta’s bullpen meltdown against Arizona that the Braves’ called Kimbrel up to the majors.
However, the second stint with Atlanta lasted just one scoreless appearance before Kimbrel was designated for assignment.
The puzzling management of Kimbrel earned the Braves plenty of flack from both media and respected veteran players alike.
While the process was weird for sure, there’s no denying Kimbrel is well beyond his days of being an effective Major League pitcher.
In the 24 games with Texas’ Triple-A affiliate, Kimbrel posted a 3.86 ERA and notched 28 strikeouts.
The Braves willingness to pick up numerous other fringe Major League arms rather than carry Kimbrel longer than one game should tell you all you need to know about Kimbrel’s stuff at this point.
However, the Astros are clearly in no position to be picky as their victory on Thursday against the Orioles snapped a four game losing streak.
Given all the injuries Houston has sustained, and Kimbrel’s pedigree this one last attempt to pitch at the Major League level actually makes sense for both sides.
