Craig Kimbrel Signs Minor League Deal with Texas Rangers

The Texas Rangers just made a pretty smart move to shore up their bullpen. They’ve signed nine-time All-Star Craig Kimbrel to a minor league deal.

Kimbrel, now 37, brings a ton of experience—he’s been through just about every high-pressure situation you can imagine. He’s one of the most decorated closers in baseball history, and he’ll start out with the Rangers at Triple-A Round Rock.

That’s a critical spot for him to show if he still has the velocity, movement, and command that made him such a force. So, what does this signing mean for the Rangers and for Kimbrel’s legacy?

Craig Kimbrel: A Proven Closer With Legendary Pedigree

If you’re looking for someone who defines the modern closer, it’s Craig Kimbrel. Over a 16-year Major League career, he’s become one of the elite relievers in the game’s history.

Kimbrel has racked up 440 saves in 838 career appearances. That’s a staggering number—just getting to 400 saves is rare, and it really highlights his staying power.

A Storied Career Across Eight Teams

Kimbrel’s suited up for eight different MLB teams, always finding ways to get outs in the ninth. The highlight? Winning a World Series with the Boston Red Sox in 2018, which pretty much sealed his legacy.

He’s managed to adapt and perform no matter the team or the city, and honestly, that’s part of what makes his signing with the Rangers so interesting. Most recently, he pitched for the Atlanta Braves—he threw one scoreless inning before they designated him for assignment.

Back in 2022, he was with the Baltimore Orioles. Even though he’s getting up there in age, you can’t ignore how many times he’s come through in clutch moments, especially when the stakes are high.

What Craig Kimbrel Brings to the Texas Rangers

For Texas, bringing in Kimbrel on a minor league deal is a classic high-upside, low-risk move. They’ve been trying to build momentum in a tough division, and having more bullpen options is never a bad thing.

Kimbrel’s reputation as a closer who can handle pressure gives the Rangers flexibility. Maybe he gets called up late in the season, or maybe he ends up mentoring the younger arms at Round Rock.

The Importance of Bolstering the Bullpen

Baseball these days really is a bullpen game, especially if you’re thinking about October. Even if Kimbrel doesn’t pitch for the big-league club, just having him around could help everyone in the system.

Younger relievers get to pick the brain of a guy who’s been there and done that. The Rangers get a chance to see if he’s still got something left in the tank.

Why This Move Makes Sense for Kimbrel

For Kimbrel, this isn’t just a final act—it’s a shot at proving he’s still got it. He turned down a demotion to Triple-A Gwinnett with the Braves, betting on himself instead.

Landing with the Rangers gives him a clean slate and a real chance to show he still belongs in the majors.

An Eye Toward the Future

This move could impact both Kimbrel’s and the Rangers’ futures. If he puts it together in the minors and gets back to the bigs, he could play a big role for Texas down the stretch.

And if it doesn’t work out in Arlington? Maybe he catches on somewhere else that needs bullpen help. Either way, it’s an interesting twist for both sides.

The Potential Impact of Kimbrel’s Signing

Craig Kimbrel’s minor league deal with the Rangers is a pretty intriguing twist for baseball fans, especially in Texas. It’s one of those low-risk, high-reward moves that keeps the sport unpredictable and, honestly, way more fun to follow.

The Rangers are hoping they’ve found a way to beef up their bullpen with some real experience. For Kimbrel, it’s a shot at keeping his already impressive career going a bit longer.

 
Here is the source article for this story: Recently cut Kimbrel joins Rangers on minors deal