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Depending on this version of Craig Kimbrel to be the savior in the bullpen is an experiment that Baltimore Orioles fans know won't end well, but that realization has yet to be made by the Houston Astros. The Astros announced on Thursday that they have signed Kimbrel to a one-year deal, and Kimbrel will immediately report to the Major League roster.
With Josh Hader likely out for the remainder of the season (he could return in the postseason), the Astros were in need of some stability in their bullpen. While the Astros shied away from a reunion with Ryan Pressly, who was bad during his run with the Chicago Cubs earlier this season, turning to Kimbrel feels like an even worse option.
There is no doubt that Kimbrel is a future Hall of Famer, but as Orioles fans found out last season, he is a shell of the shutdown closer he once was.
Orioles fans could warn Astros about what happens when you rely on Craig Kimbrel
Kimbrel opened last season as the Orioles' closer and was impressive during the opening months. Kimbrel had an ERA of 2.80 through 35 and 1/3 innings pitched during the first half of 2024. Things went off the rails for Kimbrel during the second half of the season, losing the closer's role while posting an ERA of 10.59 in his final 17 innings pitched of the season.
Since his struggles to close out the 2024 season, Kimbrel has been looking for a way back to the Majors. He briefly saw that return with the Braves earlier this season, pitching a scoreless inning of work before being designated for assignment the next day.
Before signing with the Astros, Kimbrel was pitching in the Texas Rangers' organization on a minor-league deal. His numbers were fine, posting an ERA of 3.86 while striking out over 30 percent of the hitters he faced. They don't tell the full story, however, as Kimbrel was sitting with a FIP of 5.91 during his time with the Rangers' Triple-A affiliate.
There's always a chance that Kimbrel is able to turn back the clock, but relying on that chance certainly didn't go well for the Orioles to close out last season.