WASHINGTON, DC – SEPTEMBER 24: The Atlanta Braves logo on a hat in the dugout in the first inning during game one of a doubleheader against the Washington Nationals at Nationals Park on September 24, 2023 in Washington, DC. (Photo by Brandon Sloter/Image Of Sport/Getty Images)
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The Atlanta Braves suffered a second straight loss to the division rival Washington Nationals on Sunday, but that didn’t do much to derail their success this season.
The Braves still sit atop the Major League Baseball standings as they enjoy strong contributions from up and down the roster. But after the team re-signed Raisel Iglesias and added Robert Suarez, the bullpen looks poised for a deep playoff run.
Former Atlanta Braves Star Craig Kimbrel Cuts Ties With New York Mets
The bullpen has been a standout strength for the Braves during their recent postseason successes, but now one of its former star closers could be nearing the end of his career.
After a disastrous debut with the New York Mets this season, four-time Braves All-Star Craig Kimbrel has cut ties with the team, per the official transaction log.
“Kimbrel will turn 38 later this week, and he no longer has the dominant strikeout stuff he once possessed,” Leo Morgenstern noted for MLB Trade Rumors after Kimbrel elected free agency on Monday. “His fastball, which used to touch triple digits, now averages 93.6 mph. His curveball doesn’t miss bats the way it did for so many years.”
Kimbrel signed a minor league deal with the Mets that included an invitation to spring training earlier this year and he did receive a big-league call up, posting a 6.00 ERA in 15 total innings before being designated for assignment.
He has now opted to leave his Mets deal and seek a new one, though it seems possible his time on a big-league mound has come to an end.
“Although his present-day arsenal might look disappointing compared to his vintage self, he still has better stuff than most pitchers you’ll find in Triple-A,” Morgenstern added. “So, while Kimbrel might never have another chance to add to his career saves total (440, fifth all-time), he should be able to find another club willing to give him a chance on a minor league contract.”
Atlanta Braves 4-Time All-Star Craig Kimbrel Could Be Looking For New Contract
After such a strong start to his Braves career, which included a Rookie of the Year Award, four seasons of Cy Young Award votes and three seasons of MVP Award votes, Kimbrel appeared to be a potential Hall of Famer. But that now seems to be unlikely, as he appears to be out of contention for a closer’s role with any big-league clubs going forward.
But now that he’s back on the market, Kimbrel could look to fight his way back to the big leagues through another minor-league deal. Perhaps the Braves, which enjoyed so much success with the closer at the beginning of his career, could be interested in a reunion.