(Photo by Mitchell Layton/Getty Images)
Craig Kimbrel is one of the most decorated and accomplished closers in the history of baseball.
Sometimes, people don’t really understand the value of achievements until the player in question retires and there is no one like him.
This might be the case, to some extent, with the new Baltimore Orioles closer.
Kimbrel has won a World Series, a Rookie of the Year award, and is a nine-time All-Star.
He is also a two-time Reliever of the Year and led the league in saves four times.
For his career, he has a whopping 419 saves.
He also entered an exclusive club a few days ago, after he locked down his first save with the O’s.
“Craig Kimbrel has now recorded a regular season save for 8 Major League clubs,” MLB Stats tweeted.
Craig Kimbrel has now recorded a regular season save for 8 Major League clubs. pic.twitter.com/bpWWM5L3MF
— MLB Stats (@MLBStats) April 7, 2024
Eight relievers have logged at least one regular-season save with eight or more clubs, and Kimbrel is now one of them.
Of those eight, three have done it with nine teams: Rich Gossage, Octavio Dotel and Fernando Rodney.
Maybe in the future, Kimbrel can join that trio and make it a foursome: he still seems to be playing at a high level.
He has given the Orioles five innings so far, and they have been absolutely elite.
He has conceded just a hit and he hasn’t walked anyone, striking out eight batters.
He has only one earned run to his name, and his ERA is a beautiful 1.80.
Kimbrel has been a worthy replacement for injured Orioles closer Felix Bautista and might be well on his way to his tenth All-Star Game.
The post Craig Kimbrel Continues To Rise Up Elite Closer List appeared first on The Cold Wire.