ATLANTA — The Atlanta Braves may soon reunite with a familiar and beloved figure. Veteran closer Craig Kimbrel is attracting serious interest from the front office as a potential midseason addition, according to sources.
Kimbrel, who made his MLB debut with the Braves in 2010 and quickly rose to become one of the game’s most dominant closers, has openly expressed a desire to return to Atlanta before retiring. Now, that wish might come true.
A recent report from MLB insiders claims that Atlanta’s bullpen—while strong—is searching for a seasoned presence to fortify the back end, and Kimbrel is high on the list of options. The 35-year-old reliever is currently pitching.
The 35-year-old reliever, who is presently pitching for the Baltimore Orioles, has had an excellent season, with a sub-2.50 ERA and a strikeout rate that mimics his early-career domination.
“We always keep tabs on players who have meant a lot to this organization,” stated Braves President of Baseball Operations Alex Anthopoulos during a media session. “Craig is one of the best closers in Braves history, and his name certainly comes up in conversations.”
Kimbrel, a nine-time All-Star and 2011 National League Rookie of the Year, recorded 186 saves in just five seasons with Atlanta, becoming a fan favorite for his blazing fastball and legendary pre-pitch stance. Despite being traded many times since 2015, his effectiveness and fire have remained intact.
Fans have long desired a Kimbrel-Braves reunion, especially as Atlanta seeks another World Series championship. With the team’s bullpen depth being taxed by injuries and workload issues, a proven arm like Kimbrel’s may be a game changer in October.
If a contract is reached, it would be a full circle moment for one of the franchise’s best homegrown players. According to sources close to Kimbrel, the prospect of returning to Atlanta is “very appealing,” especially considering the Braves’ championship potential and the possibility to close games at Truist Park again.While no formal announcement has been made, the buzz is real—and spreading. A Braves-Kimbrel reunion would be more than simply a heartwarming story. It might be a season-defining trade.
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