Report: Orioles near deal with RHP Craig Kimbrel

Field Level Media|published: Wed 6th December, 10:29 2023

Oct 20, 2023; Phoenix, Arizona, USA; Philadelphia Phillies relief pitcher Craig Kimbrel (31) pitches during the eighth inning against the Arizona Diamondbacks in game four of the NLCS for the 2023 MLB playoffs at Chase Field. credits: Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports

The Baltimore Orioles are closing in on a contract with reliever Craig Kimbrel, The Athletic reported on Wednesday.

The potential addition of the right-hander would aid a Baltimore bullpen that will be without incumbent closer Felix Bautista, who will likely miss the entire 2024 season after undergoing Tommy John surgery in September.

Kimbrel, 35, posted an 8-6 record with 23 saves and a 3.26 ERA in 71 relief appearances last season for the Philadelphia Phillies. He struck out 94 batters in 69 innings and was named to his ninth All-Star Game in 2023.

Among active pitchers, Kimbrel's 417 career saves trail only Kenley Jansen (420).

Kimbrel has a career 49-42 record and a 2.40 ERA. He led the majors in saves four straight seasons (2011-14) while with the Atlanta Braves.

He's also spent time with the San Diego Padres, Red Sox, Chicago Cubs and Chicago White Sox, winning a World Series with Boston in 2018.

—Field Level Media

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