Craig Kimbrel, Relief Pitcher, Philadelphia Phillies

Date of Birth: 5/28/1988
Birthplace: Huntsville, Alabama
College: Wallace State Community College

Craig Kimbrel, relief pitcher for the Philadelphia Phillies, was drafted twice by the Atlanta Braves before signing with them in 2008. He pitched in their minor league system from 2008 through 2010. He first joined the Braves' bullpen for 21 games in 2010.

In 2011, his first full season in the major leagues, Kimbrel had an outstanding year as the Braves' closer. He had 46 saves, which set a major league record for the most saves in a season by a rookie. That feat, along with a 2.10 ERA, helped earn him the unanimous choice as National League Rookie of the Year. He finished the season with career highs in games played (79), innings pitched (77.0), and strikeouts (127 to 32 walks).

Kimbrel followed his stellar first season with similar seasons in 2012, 2013, and 2014. From 2011 through 2014, he led the National League in saves each year. In 2012, he had an impressive ERA of 1.01 with 42 saves. The following season, he had a 1.21 ERA and a career high 50 saves. He was awarded the MLB Delivery Man of the Year award in 2013.

Kimbrel signed a four-year, $42 million contract extension with the Braves on February 16, 2014.

On June 6, 2014, Kimbrel became the Braves' all-time saves leader, passing Hall of Famer John Smoltz. He finished the 2014 season with a 1.61 ERA and 47 saves. He added to his previous awards when he was again named MLB Delivery Man of the Year and he received the Trevor Hoffman award.

Kimbrel was traded to the San Diego Padres on April 5, 2015. He finished the 2015 season with 39 saves, 87 strikeouts to 22 walks, and a 2.58 ERA in 59.1 innings in 61 games.

Kimbrel was traded to the Boston Red Sox on November 13, 2015. He finished the 2016 season with a 3.40 ERA, 2 wins to 6 losses, 31 saves, and 83 strikeouts to 30 walks in 53.0 innings in 57 games. In the postseason, he pitched 1.1 innings in 2 games and he gave up no hits.

Kimbrel had a 1.43 ERA in 67 games with the Red Sox in 2017. He finished the season with 5 wins and no losses, 35 saves, and 126 strikeouts to 14 walks in 69.0 innings. In the postseason, he pitched 2.0 innings in 2 games and he gave up 4 hits and 1 run.

Kimbrel pitched in 63 games in 2018. He finished the season with 5 wins and 1 loss, 42 saves, 96 strikeouts to 31 walks, and a 2.74 ERA in 62.1 innings. In the postseason, he pitched 10.2 innings in 9 games and he gave up 9 hits, including 2 home runs, and 7 runs. He had 6 saves and a 5.91 ERA. He struck out 10 batters and walked 8.

Kimbrel became a free agent on October 29, 2018. He signed with the Chicago Cubs on June 6, 2019. He spent time on the DL in 2019 with knee inflammation. He finished the season with a 0-4 record, 13 saves, 30 strikeouts to 12 walks, and a 6.53 ERA in 20.2 innings in 23 games.

Kimbrel pitched in 18 games in 2020. He finished the season with no wins and 1 loss, 28 strikeouts to 12 walks, 2 saves, and a 5.28 ERA in 15.1 innings. In the postseason, he pitched 1.1 innings in 1 game and he gave up no hits.

The Cubs traded Kimbrel to the Chicago White Sox on July 30, 2021. He finished the 2021 season with 4 wins and 5 losses, 24 saves, 100 strikeouts to 23 walks, and a 2.26 ERA in 59.2 innings in 39 games with the Cubs and 24 games with the White Sox. In the postseason, he gave up 3 hits and 3 runs in 2.0 innings in 3 games.

The White Sox traded Kimbrel to the Los Angeles Dodgers on April 1, 2022.

Kimbrel became a free agent on November 6, 2022. He signed with the Phillies on January 4, 2023.

Career pitching statistics for Kimbrel through 2021 include:

• 646 games played
• 628.1 innings pitched
• 35-29 win-loss record
• 372 saves
• 1,026 strikeouts to 252 walks
• 2.18 ERA

Personal Life

Kimbrel and his wife Ashley were married in December, 2012.

Sources for Information
Wikipedia - Craig Kimbrel
ESPN - Craig Kimbrel