Kimbrel Heads North: Phillies Reliever Signs with Orioles

In a move that surprised many baseball fans, Phillies relief pitcher Craig Kimbrel has signed a one-year, $13 million contract with the Baltimore Orioles. This deal, which also includes performance bonuses, was finalized on the last day of the Major League Baseball Winter Meetings.

Kimbrel, 35, had a successful season with the Phillies in 2023, posting a 3.26 ERA and collecting 94 strikeouts in 69 innings pitched. He also earned his ninth All-Star nod, solidifying his reputation as one of the most dominant closers in baseball history.

For the Orioles, who were looking to bolster their bullpen after losing All-Star closer Félix Bautista to Tommy John surgery, Kimbrel’s arrival is a significant boost. He brings a wealth of experience and proven success to a team that is on the rise.

“We’re excited to add a player of Craig’s caliber to our bullpen,” Orioles general manager Mike Elias said in a statement. “He’s a proven winner who has been one of the best closers in the game for many years. We believe he will be a valuable addition to our team.”

Kimbrel, who turns 36 in May, is excited for the new opportunity with the Orioles. “I’m looking forward to a new challenge and excited to be a part of what the Orioles are building,” Kimbrel said. “I’m confident that we can do something special in Baltimore.”

The addition of Kimbrel adds another chapter to a nomadic few years for the veteran pitcher. Since 2021, he has played for the Cubs, White Sox, Dodgers, and now the Orioles. This latest move further strengthens the Orioles’ bullpen, which already boasts talented arms like Dillon Tate and Jorge López.

With Kimbrel in the fold, the Orioles are poised to have one of the most dominant bullpens in baseball in 2024. This move is sure to excite fans in Baltimore and send a message to the rest of the American League East that the Orioles are a team to be reckoned with.

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