ATLANTA, GA – MAY 26: Bryson Stott #5 of the Philadelphia Phillies (left) and Brandon Marsh #16 (right) dump a cooler of water onto Craig Kimbrel #31 after Kimbrel recorded his 400th career save with a 8-6 win over the Atlanta Braves at Truist Park on May 26, 2023 in Atlanta, Georgia. (Photo by Kevin D. Liles/Atlanta Braves/Getty Images)
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The Philadelphia Phillies have found plenty of success at the back end of their bullpen since acquiring Jhoan Duran, giving the club a dominant closer who is hoping to pitch some key innings in an upcoming World Series run.
Duran has quickly become one of the Phillies’ most reliable relievers after Philadelphia sent two young pieces to the Minnesota Twins for him.
“Duran … has been exactly what the Phillies hoped for after sending right-hander Mick Abel and catching prospect Eduardo Tait to the Twins to acquire Duran before the 2025 Trade Deadline,” Theo DeRosa wrote for MLB.com. “If he ends up in a Phillies uniform for the long term, Duran has every chance to rewrite the record books. If not, the talented reliever’s stint in Philadelphia will likely be remembered well regardless.”
But Duran’s success has also brought to mind another recent Phillies closer addition, who entered Philadelphia with an imposing resume and considerable expectations: Craig Kimbrel.
Former Philadelphia Phillies All-Star Craig Kimbrel Offers 3-Word Response On Ending Career
Now 38, Kimbrel has spent the past several seasons navigating the difficult final stages of a remarkable career.
Most recently, he signed a contract with the Kansas City Royals. But as he continues to fight his way back to a major league mound, the former star pitcher offered a three-word response about whether he has considered retiring.
“Yes and no,” Kimbrel said, according to The Athletic’s Sam Blum.
Kimbrel’s answer reflects just how unusual his recent career has become. Since the beginning of 2021, the former All-Star has worn 14 different uniforms, including multiple lengthy stints in Triple-A. Kimbrel has been traded, outrighted and designated for assignment multiple times.
He has also been a nine-time All-Star, including during his brief stint with the Phillies, which included a memorable playoff heartbreaker for fans.
Philadelphia Phillies Fans Remember All-Star Craig Kimbrel As He Nears End Of Career
Kimbrel’s single season with Philadelphia came in 2023, after the Phillies signed him to a one-year, $10 million contract. He reached the 400-save milestone in May of that year and dominated during a particularly strong June, posting a 0.69 ERA with five saves and 21 strikeouts over 13 innings.
But his Phillies tenure ultimately ended on a difficult postseason note. Kimbrel surrendered a walk-off single to in Game 3 of the National League Championship Series and then struggled again in Game 4. The Arizona Diamondbacks ultimately beat the Phillies in that series, one year after the team made it to the Fall Classic.
Still, his overall career resume remains extraordinary and, as he gets closer to ending his playing days, Phillies fans have the chance to remember his exciting arrival and disappointing end in Philadelphia.