MLB spring training is often a time for final chances for aging baseball players. Cracking a major-league roster is never easy, especially as a player nears the end of his career, forcing them to take minor-league contracts and spring tryouts with the hope that one opportunity is all they need to prove that they still have 'it.'
Speaking of which, a former Philadelphia Phillies pitcher just received a new playing opportunity — one with an NL East rival, to be exact. While watching a former player join a rival can be tough for some fans, Phillies believers likely won't lose sleep over this signing.
Phillies News: RHP Craig Kimbrel Signs Minor-League Contract With Braves
On Wednesday, it was announced that veteran right-handed reliever Craig Kimbrel has signed a minor-league contract with the Atlanta Braves. According to ESPN's Jeff Passan, "Kimbrel is expected to ramp up for a few weeks and, if all goes according to plan, join the Braves' big league bullpen."
Braves, RHP Craig Kimbrel reportedly in agreement on a Minor League contract. pic.twitter.com/p3zOTvXH2J
— MLB Network (@MLBNetwork) March 18, 2025
Kimbrel, 36, began his MLB career as a Braves third-round draft pick in 2008. He ended up spending the first five years of his career in Atlanta, which included four All-Star nods and the 2011 NL Rookie of the Year award, before playing with five franchises across the following eight seasons.
Kimbrel's journeyman path brought him to the Phillies on a one-year, $10 million contract during the 2023 offseason. Things went well during the regular season, as he pitched to a 3.26 ERA, 1.043 WHIP, and 23 saves with 94 strikeouts across 71 appearances, resulting in his ninth All-Star appearance.
Unfortunately, the Huntsville, AL native became completely unglued in the postseason. He was completely pulverized by the Arizona Diamondbacks throughout the 2023 NL Division Series, playing to a 6.00 ERA in seven appearances while also being responsible for two of the Phillies' losses.
Kimbrel then attempted a bounce back with the Baltimore Orioles last season, but that didn't go well either. He recorded an abysmal 5.33 ERA and 1.357 WHIP in 57 relief appearances, which is the type of performance that led to his being unsigned for this long.
Showing little upside at this stage of his career, Kimbrel likely won't be a positive asset for the Braves and their fanbase will learn that the hard way. Meanwhile, the Phillies won't mind his struggles potentially continuing — especially if it improves their division odds.
Speaking of which, the Phillies currently own the second-best NL East odds (+200) on FanDuel Sportsbook, only trailing those of the Braves (+125).
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