Baseball keeps delivering those storylines that make you shake your head, doesn’t it? Here’s one that’s equal parts redemption arc and baseball business reality — Former Braves pitcher Craig Kimbrel, a name that once sent chills through batters in the late innings, has just taken a detour most veterans dread. But if there’s one thing baseball teaches you, it’s never counting out a closer.
A Familiar Start with the Braves
Kimbrel, the nine-time All-Star with a World Series ring and enough saves to fill a trophy case, found himself signing a minor-league deal with the Braves back in March. That’s right, the Braves — the very team where it all began for him in 2010. And for a brief moment, it looked like the reunion might spark something special.
He didn’t disappoint, either. At Double-A Columbus, Kimbrel didn’t allow a single hit in three appearances. That’s the kind of stat line that makes you think, “Okay, he’s still got it.” Up he goes to Triple-A Gwinnett, and again — solid. We’re talking a 2.00 ERA and 23 strikeouts over 18 innings. You’d think those numbers would turn heads.
A Brief Taste of the Bigs
Then comes his lone MLB outing this season — a clean seventh inning against the Giants. He gave up a walk and a hit but no runs. He did his job like a pro. For a 37-year-old trying to claw his way back to a full-time bullpen role, that’s a win. And then? Poof. Designated for assignment the next day.
We’re talking about one of the most dominant closers of the 2010s — the guy who was basically a human fire extinguisher coming out of the bullpen. One scoreless inning wasn’t enough. The Braves decided to cut bait, and just like that, Kimbrel chose free agency over returning to the minors.
A New Chapter in Texas?
Enter the Texas Rangers. Now, The Rangers are’nt exactly hurting for arms, but adding a veteran like Kimbrel on a minor-league deal is a low-risk, high-reward move. Maybe they’re thinking he’s the insurance policy. Maybe they think there’s a little more postseason magic left in that arm. And maybe — just maybe — we’ll see one of the best closers of his generation jogging in from the bullpen under those big Arlington lights.
This ain’t over yet. Not even close. Kimbrel might be down, but if history tells us anything, he’s the kind of guy who closes his own comeback.
