Craig Kimbrel, one of Major League Baseball’s most dominant closers, has made a name for himself as a force to be reckoned with in the bullpen. With a fastball that can exceed 100 mph and a devastating curveball, Kimbrel has earned multiple All-Star selections, a Rookie of the Year award, and a reputation as one of the best closers of his generation.
However, his career has also been marked by challenges and comebacks, making his story both inspiring and instructive. This article takes a deep dive into Kimbrel’s career, exploring his rise to MLB stardom, his role as a closer, his struggles, and his remarkable consistency in the game.
Early Life and High School Career
Craig Michael Kimbrel was born on May 28, 1988, in Huntsville, Alabama. Growing up in the South, Kimbrel was exposed to baseball at an early age, playing the sport throughout his childhood. As a young athlete, Kimbrel exhibited a strong arm and remarkable velocity, often overpowering opponents with his fastball. His talent didn’t go unnoticed, and by the time he was in high school, Kimbrel had established himself as one of the top pitching prospects in the state of Alabama.
Kimbrel attended Lee High School in Huntsville, where his pitching ability became evident to scouts and college recruiters. His fastball, which was regularly clocked in the low to mid-90s, set him apart from his peers. Although he was considered a raw talent, Kimbrel’s potential was undeniable. He was drafted in the 33rd round of the 2007 MLB Draft by the New York Mets but chose to attend college at Wallace State Community College in Hanceville, Alabama, to further develop his skills.
College Career and Development
At Wallace State, Kimbrel’s game took a huge leap forward. His pitching velocity increased, and he soon became one of the top junior college pitchers in the country. His performance at Wallace State earned him a scholarship to attend the University of Alabama, where he joined the Alabama Crimson Tide. However, his time at Alabama was short-lived, as he was selected in the third round of the 2008 MLB Draft by the Atlanta Braves.
Despite not playing at Alabama for long, Kimbrel’s college experience helped him sharpen his skills, particularly his ability to control his fastball and develop his signature curveball. By the time the Braves selected him, Kimbrel was ready to take the next step into professional baseball, and his career in the minors would quickly set the stage for his ascent to MLB stardom.
Professional Career: The Minor Leagues
Craig Kimbrel started his professional career with the Gulf Coast League Braves in 2008, where he impressed coaches and scouts with his explosive fastball and a devastating curveball that could buckle hitters’ knees. He quickly advanced through the Braves’ minor league system, spending time with teams like the Rome Braves (Class A), Myrtle Beach Pelicans (Class A-Advanced), and the Mississippi Braves (Double-A).
It was during his time with Mississippi in 2009 that Kimbrel’s stuff really began to shine. In 2009, Kimbrel posted a remarkable 1.12 ERA with a strikeout rate that was off the charts. His dominance in the minors didn’t go unnoticed, and by the middle of the 2010 season, the Braves called him up to the Major Leagues.
MLB Debut and Immediate Impact
Craig Kimbrel made his MLB debut on May 25, 2010, with the Atlanta Braves against the New York Mets. In his first appearance, Kimbrel wasted no time making an impact, throwing a perfect inning and striking out the side. From that moment, it was clear that the Braves had something special in their bullpen.
Kimbrel finished his rookie season with a 2.10 ERA, 21 saves, and 127 strikeouts in 77.1 innings. His ability to miss bats and shut down opposing hitters quickly made him the Braves’ go-to closer. His fastball regularly touched 100 mph, and his curveball became one of the most unhittable pitches in the game. Kimbrel’s electric stuff earned him the 2011 NL Rookie of the Year award, and he quickly became one of the best closers in baseball.
Dominance as a Closer
From 2011 onward, Kimbrel cemented himself as one of the most dominant closers in MLB history. Over the next several years, Kimbrel would become the model of consistency, compiling impressive save totals and regularly striking out over 100 batters per season. His fastball, combined with his knee-buckling curveball, made him a nightmare for hitters, and his ability to close out games became legendary.
Kimbrel’s peak years came between 2011 and 2014, during which he earned four All-Star selections. He led the National League in saves three times (2011, 2012, and 2013) and was named to the All-MLB First Team three times. In 2012, Kimbrel set a major league record for most consecutive saves to start a career, as he was perfect in save opportunities for the first 39 chances of his career. His ability to handle pressure situations with poise and precision earned him the nickname “The Closer.”
The Trade to San Diego Padres
In 2015, Kimbrel was traded to the San Diego Padres in a deal that sent several prospects to the Braves. The move was a significant change for Kimbrel, but he quickly adapted to the National League West division. Though his numbers weren’t quite as gaudy as in Atlanta, Kimbrel still proved to be a top-tier closer. He continued to dominate hitters with his velocity and ability to get strikeouts, maintaining an ERA under 3.00 in both of his seasons with San Diego. However, by 2017, Kimbrel’s time with the Padres was nearing an end, and he was traded to the Boston Red Sox.
Success with the Boston Red Sox
Kimbrel’s time with the Boston Red Sox was marked by continued success. In his first season with the team in 2017, he posted an impressive 1.43 ERA with 35 saves. His fastball velocity and curveball remained devastating, and he quickly became a key piece of a Red Sox bullpen that was one of the best in the league. Kimbrel helped the Red Sox win the 2018 World Series, although he struggled in the postseason, allowing a couple of key runs in critical moments.
Throughout his tenure with Boston, Kimbrel continued to accumulate saves and strikeouts. However, he also faced some scrutiny for his occasional struggles with command and control. Despite these minor issues, Kimbrel remained one of the top closers in baseball, and his place in Red Sox lore was secure after the 2018 World Series victory.
Free Agency and the Return to the Chicago Cubs
After the 2018 season, Kimbrel became a free agent and eventually signed with the Chicago Cubs in June 2019, after a prolonged period without a contract. His first season with the Cubs was mixed. While his strikeout numbers remained impressive, his ERA was higher than usual, and he struggled with walks. However, Kimbrel did enough to show that he still had the ability to be an effective closer.
In 2020, Kimbrel’s performance seemed to stabilize, though it was clear that his dominant days with the Braves and Red Sox were behind him. Despite some struggles, Kimbrel still had the ability to be a valuable contributor to the Cubs bullpen, and he finished the season with a respectable 2.03 ERA.
2021: A Resurgence with the White Sox
Kimbrel was traded to the Chicago White Sox in July 2021 in exchange for pitcher Nick Madrigal and reliever Codi Heuer. The move was seen as an attempt by the White Sox to strengthen their bullpen for a deep playoff run. Kimbrel’s impact was immediately felt, and he quickly became a key part of Chicago’s postseason push. His fastball and curveball regained their former potency, and he was used in high-leverage situations to close out games. Though Kimbrel’s time with the White Sox was short, his performance showed that he still had much to offer in terms of his skill set and closing ability.
Personal Life and Off-Field Activities
Craig Kimbrel is known for being a private individual, focusing most of his energy on his family and baseball career. He married his wife, Ashley, in 2012, and they have a daughter together. Kimbrel has been a strong advocate for charitable causes, often participating in community outreach programs and supporting youth baseball initiatives.
Legacy and Future
As of 2023, Craig Kimbrel remains one of the most accomplished closers in MLB history. His career ERA and strikeout numbers place him among the best to ever play the position. While his dominance may have waned in recent years, Kimbrel’s legacy as one of the most electric closers in baseball remains intact.
His powerful fastball and devastating curveball have made him a household name in the sport, and his ability to perform in high-leverage situations has solidified his place in MLB history. The future for Kimbrel may include a few more seasons as a reliable veteran in the bullpen, but no matter when his career ends, he will be remembered as one of the game’s elite closers.
FAQs
What are Craig Kimbrel’s career statistics?
Kimbrel has accumulated over 350 career saves in MLB, making him one of the most prolific closers in league history. He has posted an impressive strikeout rate and ERA over his career, with many seasons where he finished with a sub-2.00 ERA. His career save percentage and ability to close out games in high-leverage situations have solidified his legacy as one of the best in the business.
How many All-Star appearances has Craig Kimbrel made?
Craig Kimbrel has been selected to multiple MLB All-Star Games, including several consecutive appearances throughout his career. His consistent dominance and effectiveness as a closer earned him these selections, highlighting his status as one of the league’s top pitchers.
What is Craig Kimbrel’s current status in 2024?
As of 2024, Craig Kimbrel is currently a free agent. After a solid tenure with the Los Angeles Dodgers in 2022-2023, where he continued to show flashes of his former dominance, Kimbrel is exploring options for his next contract. Teams in need of a reliable closer could be interested in signing him, though his future in the MLB will depend on his health and performance during workouts and spring training.
What is Craig Kimbrel’s playoff record?
Kimbrel has had the opportunity to pitch in several postseason games throughout his career, particularly with the Boston Red Sox and Los Angeles Dodgers. He was part of the Red Sox team that won the 2018 World Series, where he played a pivotal role in closing out games during the playoffs, despite facing some challenges with control.
What makes Craig Kimbrel one of the best closers in MLB history?
Kimbrel’s success can be attributed to his consistency, control, and ability to perform in high-pressure situations. He possesses a rare combination of velocity and breaking stuff, making it difficult for hitters to square up his pitches. Over his career, he has regularly demonstrated the ability to close out games effectively, earning him respect across the league.
In Summary
Craig Kimbrel has carved out a remarkable legacy as one of Major League Baseball’s most dominant closers. From his early days with the Atlanta Braves to his stints with teams like the Boston Red Sox, Chicago Cubs, and Los Angeles Dodgers, Kimbrel has consistently showcased his exceptional pitching abilities. His explosive fastball and devastating curveball, combined with his knack for closing out games in high-pressure situations, have solidified his place as one of the most feared relievers of his generation.
While his career has faced some ups and downs, Kimbrel’s achievements including multiple All-Star appearances, a World Series title, and over 350 career saves make him one of the most accomplished pitchers in modern baseball. As a free agent in 2024, his future in the MLB remains uncertain, but his past success ensures he will be remembered as one of the best closers to ever step onto the mound.
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