BY John fenster
Craig Kimbrel, a veteran closer, is leaving the Philadelphia Phillies to join the Baltimore Orioles as a free agent.
Kimbrel joined the Phillies in 2023 and had a solid season. He is a highly decorated closer with over 400 career saves.
Kimbrel's contract is worth $12 million in 2024, with a $13 million club option in 2025 and a $1 million buyout.
Kimbrel joins the Orioles to close games for a young rotation. The group aided the Orioles in winning the American League East and 101 games last season.
The Orioles needed a new pitcher after Félix Bautista got injured and had surgery.
The 28-year-old reliver will return in 2025 after rehabbing an injury, missing the entire 2024 season.
Kimbrel had a successful season with the Phillies, going 8-3 with a 3.26 ERA and 23 saves in 28 chances. He had 7 holds and 94 strikeouts in 69 innings.
Kimbrel has 417 career saves and was a dominant closer for the Atlanta Braves from 2011-2014.