Inside the Texas Rangers’ Move to Add Future Hall of Famer Craig Kimbrel

The Texas Rangers are bringing in a 9-time All Star on a minor league deal, and it seems like that minor league designation is just a temporary thing. At least, that's what the Rangers are hoping for.

Rangers Ink 9-Time All-Star Craig Kimbrel to Minor League Deal

It was announced today that the Rangers are bringing in 2-time Reliever of the Year Craig Kimbrel to the organization. He was recently with the Atlanta Braves, until he was designated for assignment on Monday. Instead of accepting his Minor League Baseball assignment with Atlanta's Triple A team, Kimbrel chose free agency.

The fact Kimbrel declined the minor league placement from Atlanta, but accepted a minor league offer from Texas is why many think he will quickly be placed on the Texas Rangers' 40 man roster.

Kimbrel got ramped up for 2025 in the Atlanta minor league system, making 18 appearances before getting brought to the big league club on June 6th. He pitched for the Braves that same night, and was designated for assignment the following day. This was his second stint with Atlanta in his career, and it only lasted 1 inning, where he gave up 1 hit, no runs, and a walk.

Kimbrel's Journey: From Braves Release to Texas Hope

When Kimbrel first played for Atlanta, it was his first 5 seasons of Major League Baseball. Kimbrel blasted onto the scene in his first full season, accumulating 46 saves, and winning the National League Rookie of the Year in 2011. He was elected to the All Star game that season, and got votes for Cy Young and MVP.

Kimbrel would get the All Star selection, Cy Young votes, and MVP votes for the next two seasons. While continuing to lead the National League in saves. He hit his career high in saves in 2013 with 50 that year.

After another All Star season for Atlanta in 2014, Kimbrel was traded to the San Diego Padres. He would play one season for San Diego, racking up 39 saves, but missing the All Star game for the first time since his rookie year.

Before the start of the 2016 season, Kimbrel was traded again. This time to the Boston Red Sox, giving him his first chance to pitch in the American League. Even though he had to have knee surgery during the season, Kimbrel still made the All Star team and had 31 saves for the year. He would return for the playoffs, where he pitched in two games.

Kimbrel's Impact: From Rookie Sensation to Closer King

The 2017 was another huge year for Kimbrel. He had 35 saves for the Red Sox, was named an All Star, and placed 6th in Cy Young voting. He finished the season with a career high WAR of 3.6, which is pretty good for a closer.

In 2018, Kimbrel won the World Series with the Red Sox, and was named to another All Star team.

Post-Red Sox Era: Kimbrel's Tour Through MLB Bullpens

After the World Series win, Kimbrel has bounced around with a number of teams. He's pitched for the Chicago Cubs, Los Angeles Dodgers, Chicago White Sox, Philadelphia Phillies, and Baltimore Oriels. Over that time, he's made two more All Star appearances, and has saved over 20 games in four of those seasons.

In 2024, Kimbrel saved 23 games for Baltimore, while striking out 73 hitters. He had hoped to recapture some magic this season with his return to Atlanta, but that ended after just one inning.

What Craig Kimbrel Brings to the Texas Rangers in 2025

The Rangers are now hoping that they can get some action out of Kimbrel's right arm. He's now 37-years-old and is in his 16th season. While its unlikely that Kimbrel will ever be what he was early in his career, getting any production to go along with veteran leadership is a quality scenario for Texas.