Craig Kimbrel Designated for Assignment by Braves After Brief Return

Craig Kimbrel’s Brief Stint with the Braves Ends

In a surprising turn of events, Craig Kimbrel has been designated for assignment by the Atlanta Braves just one day after making his return to the team. The Braves' roster shift involved recalling left-hander Austin Cox from Triple-A Gwinnett to fill Kimbrel’s spot.

Kimbrel's journey back to the Braves, the franchise where he began his illustrious career, was a narrative of nostalgia, capped when he signed a minor league contract earlier this season. In his first game back, Kimbrel pitched a scoreless inning during the Braves' narrow 5-4 loss to the San Francisco Giants. Although he allowed a hit and a walk, he managed to escape the inning without giving up a run, thanks in part to a caught stealing and a pick-off. This first inning back seemed promising but ultimately set the stage for what followed.

While fans may have expected Kimbrel to have a longer tenure with the team—especially following his scoreless performance—his quick exit reflects the realities of an aging pitcher trying to regain his form. The 37-year-old seasoned reliever is coming off a challenging 2024 season with the Baltimore Orioles, where he posted a 5.33 ERA in over 52 innings, leading to his release from the team in September.

Throughout the past three seasons (2021-2023), Kimbrel earned two All-Star nods with a respectable 3.10 ERA across 188.2 innings. However, as his career progressed, issues with effectiveness began creeping in, particularly during crucial postseason games. Despite these struggles, Kimbrel showcased flashes of quality this season before his call-up, boasting a strong 2.00 ERA during 18 appearances in the minors, albeit with a concerning walk rate of 12.86%.

Kimbrel's contract with the Braves featured a “rolling opt-out” clause, allowing him to leave if another major league team expressed interest in him. This stipulation appears to have influenced the Braves' decision-making process leading up to his brief activation.

As Kimbrel has now been placed on waivers, his future remains uncertain. While it is possible he may clear waivers and opt to remain with the Braves under an outright assignment—potentially valuing stability in a familiar organization over returning to free agency—the financial implications of his $2 million prorated salary may deter teams from claiming him.

Fans and analysts alike are left questioning the motives behind the Braves' swift decision. Some speculate that this move signals a larger strategy, with suggestions that the Braves may be reconsidering their competitive stance as they approach the trade deadline. Nevertheless, Kimbrel's quick designation is distinctly bittersweet, marking the end of a chapter that many hoped would see a more extended reunion.

As the baseball season unfolds, it brings to light the often stark realities athletes face in balancing talent and the toll of time. For Kimbrel, this chapter with Atlanta could represent a pivotal moment in his storied career—one that may evoke mixed feelings among fans who remember his glorious past as the franchise's all-time saves leader.