The Baltimore Orioles on Wednesday reached a one-year deal with reliever Craig Kimbrel with a club option for 2025.
The team did not announce financial terms but multiple reports said the deal is worth $13 million.
The addition of the right-hander aids 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