FULTON COUNTY, Ga. – Craig Kimbrel is officially back in Atlanta, signing a minor-league deal with the Braves in a reunion that brings the former All-Star closer back to where his MLB stardom began.
Kimbrel, a nine-time All-Star, spent the 2024 season with the Baltimore Orioles, showing signs of his vintage dominance early on before struggling in the second half. Now, he rejoins the Braves—the team that drafted and developed him—hoping to recapture his form and contribute to a deepening bullpen for the 2025 campaign.
During his original stint with Atlanta from 2010 to 2014, Kimbrel led the National League in saves for four consecutive seasons, racking up 186 saves and establishing himself as one of the most feared relievers in baseball. Since then, he’s played for the Padres, Red Sox, Cubs, White Sox, Dodgers, and Orioles, collecting 440 career saves and a World Series ring with Boston in 2018.
Kimbrel started strong with Baltimore last year, notching a 2.10 ERA with 23 saves in 27 chances through July. However, a rough second half—marked by an 11.50 ERA—led to his designation for assignment late in the season.
Despite the dip, Braves manager Brian Snitker is optimistic about what Kimbrel can still bring to the mound. “If he finds his rhythm again, he could be a huge piece for us,” Snitker said, noting that Kimbrel looked like an All-Star in the early months of 2024.
The Braves also added veteran reliever Héctor Neris on a minor-league contract, further bolstering the bullpen. Neris, an 11-year MLB veteran with 107 career saves, provides another experienced option for the late innings.
Snitker emphasized the value of depth and experience as the team eyes a deep playoff run. “You never know who’s going to emerge down the stretch,” he said. “We saw it in 2019 with Matt Joyce—we’re always open to guys proving themselves late.”
With Kimbrel and Neris joining an already strong bullpen, the Braves are positioning themselves to be even more formidable out of the pen in 2025. Both pitchers will have the chance to earn a spot on the roster as spring training winds down and Opening Day approaches.
