The Orioles signed Kimbrel to a one-year, $13 million contract Wednesday with a $13 million club option for 2025, Joel Sherman of the New York Post reports.
Analysis: Ken Rosenthal of The Athletic was first to pass along word that a deal was close, and now it's all official after Kimbrel passed his pre-signing physical. The veteran reliever registered a steady 3.26 ERA with 94 strikeouts across 69 regular-season innings for the Phillies in 2023, also racking up 23 saves. He will now step into the closer role in Baltimore as a replacement for Felix Bautista, who is slated to miss the entire 2024 campaign as he recovers from Tommy John surgery.
Craig Kimbrel Nearing deal with Orioles
Kimbrel is close to an agreement with the Orioles, Ken Rosenthal of The Athletic reports.
Analysis: Joel Sherman reported Tuesday night that talks between the two sides were picking up steam and it appears they're now nearing the finish line. It's unclear at this point what the details of the contract could look like. Kimbrel would take over as closer for the Orioles with Felix Bautista (elbow) set to miss 2024 while recovering from Tommy John surgery. The 35-year-old posted a 3.26 ERA and 94:28 K:BB over 69 innings for the Phillies in 2023, collecting 23 saves along the way.
Connect With Us: