Houston Astros Sign 9-Time All-Star Closer Craig Kimbrel

The Houston Astros just made a bold move to shore up their bullpen, signing veteran closer Craig Kimbrel to a major-league contract. With injuries and inexperience threatening their late-inning stability, Houston’s betting on the 37-year-old’s vast experience — and his history of postseason heroics — to steady their relief corps for the stretch run.

Kimbrel, a 16-year MLB veteran with a hefty 440 career saves, arrives as the Astros scramble to stay alive in the playoff chase.

Astros Turn to a Proven Veteran

Once, Craig Kimbrel was one of baseball’s most feared closers. His résumé already puts him among the game’s elite.

He’s second among active pitchers in career saves, just behind Kenley Jansen of the Los Angeles Angels. Kimbrel’s mound presence is intimidating, and in his prime, his strikeout rates were sky-high.

He’s got a World Series ring and plenty of postseason innings under his belt.

Why Houston Needed Kimbrel Now

The Astros’ bullpen has been scrambling since losing star closer Josh Hader for the season with a shoulder capsule strain. Bryan Abreu stepped into the closer’s role and held his own, but the rest of the bullpen has looked shaky and short on veteran leadership.

The relief unit leans heavily left-handed, with arms like Bennett Sousa, Bryan King, and Kaleb Ort among the few options behind Abreu. By adding Kimbrel, Houston brings in a battle-tested righty and much-needed balance to their bullpen mix.

Kimbrel’s Recent Journey

Kimbrel’s career numbers look great, but he lands in Houston after a tough stretch. Earlier in 2024, he struggled with the Baltimore Orioles, posting a 5.33 ERA and losing some velocity.

Baltimore cut him loose, and he landed in Triple-A with the Texas Rangers’ affiliate in Round Rock. Over 21 innings there, he put up a 3.86 ERA before getting released.

From Orioles to Rangers to Astros

Despite those rough patches, the Astros see value in Kimbrel’s track record. He’s closed out games at the highest level, like during the 2018 Boston Red Sox World Series run and the Phillies’ trip to the 2023 NLCS.

That kind of playoff confidence could matter if Houston grabs a spot in October.

Impact on the Astros’ Bullpen Strategy

The timing here is no accident. The Astros are hitting a critical stretch, and just one or two late-game meltdowns could mean the difference between a playoff spot and packing up early.

Kimbrel’s been through pressure situations before, and that gives manager Dusty Baker some extra options for high-leverage innings.

Possible Roles for Kimbrel

Bryan Abreu seems to have the closer’s job for now, but Kimbrel could slot in as a high-leverage setup man or maybe share ninth-inning duties. His knack for handling big postseason moments is a huge plus.

The Astros might want to let him settle into save situations rather than tossing him straight into the fire.

Looking Ahead: Return to Camden Yards

Here’s a twist: Kimbrel’s debut for Houston is expected to come against his old team, the Orioles, at Camden Yards this weekend. Facing the club that let him go earlier this year just adds a little drama to his return to the majors.

Will Kimbrel Be the Difference-Maker?

So, does Kimbrel still have enough left to impact games down the stretch? At 37, he’s not the flamethrower he once was, but his experience and competitive edge might be exactly what Houston needs in these make-or-break moments.

Final Thoughts

Craig Kimbrel’s signing by the Houston Astros feels like a calculated gamble. They’re betting a seasoned closer with a Hall of Fame-caliber résumé can rediscover enough of his old spark to steady a bullpen that’s honestly needed some depth and leadership for a while.

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Here is the source article for this story: Astros to sign 9-time All-Star closer Craig Kimbrel: Sources