Veteran All-Star reliever Craig Kimbrel is headed to the Houston Astros on a big-league deal, adding a veteran arm to a bullpen in need as the team pushes for a postseason spot. The 37-year-old right-hander has appeared in just one game this season, delivering a scoreless inning for the Atlanta Braves, but brings a long track record of late-inning experience and success.
Kimbrel is a nine-time All-Star and a World Series champion from the 2018 Boston Red Sox, a credit to his longevity and impact in the back end of bullpens. Over a 16-year career, he has played for eight clubs, compiling a 2.59 ERA and 440 saves across 810.2 innings pitched. His storied resume includes stretches as a trusted closer and closer-turned-setup option, underscoring his value as a veteran postseason presence.
The move comes as Houston deals with the loss of All-Star closer Josh Hader to a left shoulder capsule strain, a development that has opened an opening for experienced help in high-leverage moments. Kimbrel’s addition gives the Astros a proven bullpen option with extensive late-inning experience to lean on during a tight playoff chase.
In terms of recent form, Kimbrel’s 2024 season with the Orioles saw a 5.33 ERA across 57 appearances. He had previously shown peak-level effectiveness a couple of seasons earlier, including a 3.26 ERA over 71 appearances for the Phillies in 2023. His 2022 stint with the Dodgers produced a 3.75 ERA in 63 games. While his role and usage may evolve, his career arc—marked by adaptability and a knack for closing out games—adds a seasoned dimension to Houston’s relief corps.
What this move means for the Astros
– Adds a veteran with World Series-winning experience and a track record of closing out games in pressure situations.
– Provides immediate bullpen depth in the late innings as the team competes for a postseason berth.
– Brings leadership and a wealth of high-leverage know-how to younger relievers learning how to navigate tight games.
Possible questions to watch
– How Houston deploys Kimbrel in late-inning scenarios, especially with other bullpen pieces and the health status of Hader.
– Whether Kimbrel can recapture earlier-celebrated form in a new environment and role.
– The Astros’ overall bullpen dynamics as they balance experience with younger arms in a playoff race.
Bottom line: The Astros fortify their bullpen with a veteran, playoff-tested reliever who can contribute in high-leverage moments as they pursue a deep postseason run. A storied career adds credibility and leadership to a relief corps that needs stability down the stretch.
Summary: Craig Kimbrel joins the Houston Astros, bringing elite late-inning experience to a bullpen in need after Josh Hader’s injury. His long career and recent track record give the Astros a trusted veteran presence as they push toward the postseason.
Additional notes
– The signing reinforces Houston’s strategy of adding seasoned arms to short-term rentals to bridge to younger relievers.
– If used effectively, Kimbrel could help stabilize the back end of the bullpen during a critical stretch of the schedule.