Craig Kimbrel – Atlanta Braves Biography, Contract, Net Worth Information

Craig Kimbrel has put together an impressive career as one of baseball’s top closers. He’s bounced around Major League Baseball, landing with several teams, and most recently found his way back to the Atlanta Braves—the organization that first gave him a shot—on a minor league deal worth $2 million in March 2025.

Over the years, Kimbrel has piled up career earnings that bring his net worth to about $114 million. That kind of number really shows just how much teams have valued him as a late-inning weapon.

The hard-throwing righty has signed all sorts of contracts, starting with the Braves, who once locked him up with a four-year deal with escalating salaries. Later, he landed a three-year, $43 million deal with the Chicago Cubs in 2019.

His market value has had its ups and downs. The Baltimore stint ended with his release in 2024, but then he got a homecoming with Atlanta.

Early Life and Amateur Career

Kimbrel’s story starts in a small Alabama town, where he first started turning heads with his pitching. Those early years in high school and college set the stage for everything that came after.

Background and Upbringing

Craig Kimbrel was born May 28, 1988, in Huntsville, Alabama. Growing up in the southeast, he fell in love with baseball early on.

His parents, Mike and Sandy, always encouraged his athletic dreams. Kimbrel spent those childhood years working on the unusual pitching stance and delivery that would become his signature in the major leagues.

He wasn’t always the star of the show as a kid, though. That odd pre-pitch stance—where he hunches over with his right arm hanging—started taking shape back then in Alabama.

High School Achievements

At Lee High School in Huntsville, Kimbrel began to stand out as a pitching prospect. He put up a 0.96 ERA and struck out 116 batters in his senior year.

Even with those numbers, big college programs didn’t chase after him. Scouts worried about his size—at 5’11”, he didn’t fit the mold for a durable pitcher.

Still, Wallace State Community College spotted his potential and offered him a chance to keep playing. Kimbrel also played in local and regional tournaments, which helped him get noticed by more scouts.

College Baseball Experience

At Wallace State in Hanceville, Alabama, Kimbrel started to really shine. His sophomore year was especially impressive: he had a 2.02 ERA and struck out 123 hitters in just 81 innings.

His fastball picked up velocity in college, regularly hitting the mid-90s. That extra heat got the attention of MLB scouts and pushed his draft stock up.

The Atlanta Braves picked him in the third round (96th overall) of the 2008 MLB Draft. That was a huge deal for a guy coming from a community college instead of a big NCAA program.

His college coach always mentioned Kimbrel’s work ethic and how he could generate power despite not being a big guy. Those traits stuck with him as he moved up.

Professional Baseball Career

Craig Kimbrel has made his mark as one of the most dominant closers in MLB history. His fastball-curveball combo and that unique stance have become his calling cards.

Draft and MLB Debut

The Atlanta Braves drafted Kimbrel in 2008 out of Wallace State. He started his pro career in the minors and wasted no time showing off his strikeout stuff.

Kimbrel made his big league debut on May 7, 2010, against the Phillies. In his rookie season, he posted a 0.44 ERA in 21 games. Even with limited experience, he wowed everyone with a fastball that consistently touched the high-90s.

He finished his first year with 40 strikeouts in just 20.2 innings. That start really hinted at the dominance that would become his trademark.

Rise to All-Star Closer

Kimbrel quickly climbed the ranks to elite closer status. In 2011, his first full season, he took over the ninth inning and saved 46 games with a 2.10 ERA. He won NL Rookie of the Year.

From 2011 to 2014, he was simply the best closer in the game with the Braves. He made four straight All-Star teams and led the NL in saves every year.

His 2012 season was off the charts—he had a 1.01 ERA and 116 strikeouts in just 62.2 innings. Opponents hit only .186 against him during that stretch.

Fans started to recognize his hunched-over stance right away. It gave him this intimidating vibe before he even threw a pitch.

Notable Trades and Teams

Kimbrel’s career has taken him all over the league. The Braves traded him to the Padres in April 2015, right before Opening Day.

After just one season, the Padres sent him to the Boston Red Sox. He anchored their bullpen from 2016 to 2018 and helped them win a World Series in 2018, though he did have some shaky moments in October.

Once his Red Sox run ended, Kimbrel signed with the Chicago Cubs in 2019 on a three-year, $43 million deal. He was up and down in Chicago before they traded him to the White Sox in 2021.

He also spent time with the Dodgers and Phillies, earning a $10 million salary with Philly. In 2023, he circled back to the Braves on a minor league deal, bringing things full circle.

World Series and Playoff Success

Kimbrel has pitched in a bunch of high-pressure playoff games for several teams. His biggest postseason moment came with the 2018 Red Sox.

He did battle some control issues that October, but he still helped Boston lock down a World Series win over the Dodgers. He picked up six saves in the 2018 playoffs, though his 5.91 ERA showed he wasn’t always sharp.

Kimbrel has appeared in 24 postseason games and racked up 15 saves. His playoff resume includes stops with the Braves, Red Sox, Cubs, Dodgers, and Phillies.

Sometimes he’s been lights out, other times a bit shaky—just the nature of October baseball. When he’s on, hitters don’t stand much of a chance, but his command can waver in those high-stress moments.

Craig Kimbrel’s Contracts and Earnings

Craig Kimbrel has landed several big contracts during his MLB career. His reputation as a top closer has definitely paid off at the bank.

Major League Contracts Overview

Kimbrel’s earning journey started with the Braves in 2008. That first deal was pretty modest, but his performance soon earned him a big raise. After breaking out as a closer, he signed a four-year extension with Atlanta worth around $42 million in 2014.

He brought that contract with him when he was traded to the Padres in 2015. When Boston acquired him, they honored the rest of that deal. His work in Boston only boosted his value as a bullpen anchor.

One of his biggest paydays came with the Cubs in 2019—a three-year, $43 million deal. Chicago wanted a proven closer, and they paid up for him.

Recent Deals and Team Options

In recent seasons, Kimbrel’s contracts have reflected his status as a veteran. His current deal proves teams still see value in his arm, even as he gets older.

For 2025, he’s playing on a one-year contract worth $13 million, and he’ll hit free agency again in 2026.

Before that, he took a minor league deal to return to Atlanta. It was a smart move for both him and the Braves as they managed their roster.

Team options have popped up in several of his contracts. These clauses gave his teams some flexibility, while Kimbrel got a bit of security and leverage.

Free Agency Moves and Negotiations

Kimbrel’s free agency adventures have definitely been interesting. After the Red Sox won it all in 2018, he hit the open market but didn’t sign with the Cubs until June 2019.

That long wait showed how things like the luxury tax can impact even the top players’ market value. Teams have to weigh big signings against payroll limits.

Kimbrel’s agents have leaned on his track record as a closer to negotiate solid contracts—career earnings are estimated at over $114 million. His numbers give him plenty of leverage with contending teams.

Elite closers like Kimbrel usually command big salaries, but the relief pitcher market can swing wildly depending on team needs and the state of the league’s finances.

Net Worth, Salary, and Business Ventures

Craig Kimbrel has built up some serious wealth thanks to his baseball career, smart contract choices, and financial planning. Being one of the game’s top closers has given him plenty of earning power both on the field and off.

Current Net Worth Evaluation

Craig Kimbrel’s net worth is estimated at around $30 million, though some sources put it as high as $114 million. Most of that wealth comes from his MLB contracts over more than a decade.

He’s made his fortune through steady performance and some wise financial decisions. Nine All-Star nods haven’t hurt, either.

Among relief pitchers, Kimbrel stands out for his career earnings. That says a lot about how teams value top closers these days.

Salary Progression Over Career

Kimbrel’s salary has climbed a lot since his early days. For the 2024-2025 season, he signed a one-year deal worth $13 million, after making $10 million the year before.

His biggest contract was with the Cubs—a three-year, $43 million deal signed in 2019. That was the peak of his earning power.

In 2023, he took a smaller deal with the Braves for $2 million. That’s pretty typical for relievers as they get older and their performance ebbs and flows.

Kimbrel has moved across several teams’ payrolls, but he’s almost always been paid like a premium relief pitcher.

Endorsements and Financial Investments

Kimbrel doesn’t just rely on his baseball salary. He’s padded his income with endorsements and some smart investments, though he keeps things pretty low-key compared to other big names in the sport.

He’s teamed up with a few baseball equipment companies and sportswear brands, using his status as an elite closer to his advantage.

Kimbrel approaches investing with caution, always thinking about long-term security instead of chasing flashy trends. He’s put money into real estate and sticks with more traditional investments.

While some athletes love to advertise their business moves, Kimbrel keeps his ventures mostly private. He prefers to focus on baseball and his family.

Pitching Style, Achievements, and Legacy

Craig Kimbrel really has made his mark as one of the most dominant relief pitchers in baseball history. His unique style, impressive stats, and impact on how teams use bullpens have changed the closer role in MLB.

Signature Pitching Techniques

Kimbrel’s pitching arsenal centers around his nasty fastball-curveball combo. His four-seam fastball usually sits at 95-98 mph, with that wild “rising” movement that just looks unfair. He pairs it with a sharp, knee-buckling curveball—some call it a knuckle-curve—that drops hard.

His pre-pitch stance is impossible to miss. He crouches, right arm dangling, almost like he’s about to swoop in for the kill. It’s become his signature, and it definitely gets in hitters’ heads.

Kimbrel racks up strikeouts at a ridiculous pace. He’s often at the top of the charts for relievers, sometimes punching out more than 14 batters per nine innings during his best years.

Statistical Milestones and Saves

Kimbrel hit the 300-save mark quicker than anyone else in MLB history—just 494 games in. His stats tell the story:

• Over 400 career saves (top 10 all-time)
• Multiple seasons with ERAs under 2.00
• Strikeout rate above 40% at his best
• Eight All-Star nods

His 2012 season in Atlanta was just absurd. He posted a 1.01 ERA and struck out 116 hitters in only 62.2 innings. That’s 16.7 K’s per nine innings. Not many relievers have put up a year like that.

Kimbrel has managed to stay remarkably durable for a guy who throws so hard. He’s kept up elite performance with several teams—the Braves, Red Sox, Cubs, Dodgers, and a few others.

Impact on Bullpens and Modern Analytics

Kimbrel’s career lined up with baseball’s analytics boom. Teams started to see just how valuable a shutdown closer could be, and Kimbrel’s numbers backed that up.

Advanced stats like FIP, xERA, and Win Probability Added all shine a light on how much he’s contributed. Teams began hunting for relievers with similar strikeout-heavy “stuff” because of what Kimbrel showed was possible.

The market for top closers exploded during his prime. His $43 million deal with the Cubs really set a new bar for relief pitchers.

Managers also started to rethink how they use their bullpens, often sticking with a specialized closer role, partly thanks to Kimbrel’s success—even as some teams experiment with more flexible approaches.

Personal Life and Off-the-Field Contributions

Away from the mound, Craig Kimbrel has built a life full of meaning, balancing family, charity work, and a carefully managed public image.

Family and Personal Background

Craig Kimbrel was born on May 28, 1988, in Huntsville, Alabama. Growing up in a small town helped shape his strong work ethic and the down-to-earth vibe that teammates and fans still notice. He married Ashley in 2012, and together they’ve navigated the rollercoaster of a pro baseball life.

Their daughter Lydia was born in 2017 with a heart defect that needed several surgeries. That experience hit hard, and Kimbrel sometimes stepped away from the game to be with his family during those tough times.

He doesn’t talk much about his private life, but he’s mentioned that his faith plays a big part in how he approaches both baseball and family.

Philanthropy and Community Involvement

Going through his daughter’s medical challenges pushed Kimbrel to get involved with children’s hospitals and heart-health charities. He’s worked with the American Heart Association and Boston Children’s Hospital, especially during his Red Sox days.

When Kimbrel played for the Chicago Cubs, he got even more involved through the team’s community programs. He regularly shows up at baseball clinics for kids who don’t have many opportunities, and he’s visited hospitals without making a big deal out of it.

In 2020, Kimbrel and his wife launched a foundation to help families with seriously ill children. They offer both financial support and emotional resources.

Teammates often mention how generous he is, even when no one’s watching. His giving spirit has been a steady part of his MLB journey.

Media Appearances and Public Image

Kimbrel, unlike some of the flashier closers out there, keeps things pretty low-key with the media.

Most people recognize him for that quirky pre-pitch stance—arms bent, beard sticking out—more than for anything he says or does off the field.

You won’t see Kimbrel popping up in tons of commercials or chasing the spotlight in baseball promos. When reporters talk to him, he usually steers the conversation toward how the team’s doing, not his own stats. Honestly, it’s kind of refreshing.

He doesn’t really bother with social media much. Kimbrel seems to prefer keeping his life private instead of chasing followers or likes. That choice has kept the focus on his pitching, not his personality.

Reporters usually call him intense when he’s on the mound, but off the field? He’s quiet, respectful, and almost reserved. He really just lets his pitching speak for itself.