Craig Kimbrel, a right-handed pitcher known for his distinctive pre-pitch stance and blazing fastball, became one of the most effective closers in Major League Baseball during his career. Born on May 28, 1988, in Huntsville, Alabama, Kimbrel's journey to the majors began when he was drafted by the Atlanta Braves in the third round of the 2008 MLB Draft. His early promise was evident as he quickly ascended through the minor league ranks, making his MLB debut with the Braves on May 7, 2010.
Kimbrel's rookie season in 2011 was nothing short of remarkable. He set a new rookie record with 46 saves, earning him the National League Rookie of the Year award. His performance was characterized by an overpowering fastball and a devastating curveball, which left batters struggling to make contact. That year, he also led the National League in saves, a feat he would repeat for four consecutive seasons from 2011 to 2014.
During his tenure with the Braves, Kimbrel was a central figure in the team's bullpen, consistently delivering in high-pressure situations. His ability to close out games with precision and poise earned him four All-Star selections while with Atlanta. In 2012, he achieved a career-best 1.01 ERA, further solidifying his reputation as one of the league's elite closers.
In 2015, Kimbrel was traded to the San Diego Padres, where he continued to excel, recording 39 saves and maintaining a strong strikeout rate. However, his time in San Diego was brief, as he was traded to the Boston Red Sox in November 2015. With the Red Sox, Kimbrel continued to dominate, earning three more All-Star selections from 2016 to 2018. His 2017 season was particularly impressive, as he posted a 1.43 ERA and struck out 126 batters in just 69 innings.
Kimbrel's tenure with the Red Sox culminated in a World Series championship in 2018. Although his postseason performance was met with some challenges, he played a crucial role in helping the team secure its ninth title. Following the 2018 season, Kimbrel entered free agency and eventually signed with the Chicago Cubs in June 2019.
His time with the Cubs saw mixed results, as he struggled with injuries and inconsistency. Despite these challenges, Kimbrel rebounded in the 2021 season, regaining his form and earning another All-Star selection. During this period, he was traded to the Chicago White Sox, where he continued to serve as a reliable bullpen option.
Throughout his career, Kimbrel's pitching style was characterized by a unique pre-pitch routine, where he would bend over and extend his right arm before delivering a pitch. This distinctive stance became a signature part of his identity on the mound. His fastball, often reaching speeds of 98-100 mph, combined with a sharp-breaking curveball, made him a formidable opponent for hitters.
Kimbrel's career statistics reflect his dominance as a closer. By the end of the 2021 season, he had amassed over 370 saves, placing him among the all-time leaders in that category. His strikeout rate remained one of the highest among relievers, underscoring his ability to overpower batters consistently.
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