Kimbrel

Craig Kimbrel is a professional baseball pitcher known for his dominant performances in Major League Baseball (MLB). He has established himself as one of the premier closers in the history of the sport, known for his explosive fastball and devastating curveball. Kimbrel has played for several teams during his career, including the Atlanta Braves, San Diego Padres, Boston Red Sox, Chicago Cubs, and the Chicago White Sox.

Early Life and Education

Craig Kimbrel was born on May 28, 1988, in Huntsville, Alabama. He attended Lee High School in Huntsville, where he excelled in baseball. Kimbrel was drafted by the Atlanta Braves in the third round of the 2007 MLB Draft after playing college baseball at Wallace State Community College.

Professional Career

Atlanta Braves (2010–2014)

Kimbrel made his MLB debut with the Atlanta Braves on May 25, 2010. He quickly established himself as the team's closer, earning the National League Rookie of the Year award in 2011. His tenure with the Braves was marked by numerous accolades, including:

• 3× All-Star (2011, 2012, 2013)
• NL Rookie of the Year (2011)
• NL Reliever of the Year (2011, 2012)
• 2× MLB saves leader (2011, 2012)

San Diego Padres (2015)

In 2015, Kimbrel was traded to the San Diego Padres. He continued to perform at a high level, though the team struggled overall. During his time with the Padres, Kimbrel was recognized for his ability to consistently close out games.

Boston Red Sox (2016–2018)

Kimbrel was acquired by the Boston Red Sox prior to the 2016 season. He played a crucial role in helping the Red Sox win the World Series in 2018. His stats during his time with Boston included:

Year	Games	Saves	ERA	Strikeouts
2016	67	31	3.40	98
2017	68	35	2.78	108
2018	63	42	2.74	96

Chicago Cubs (2019–2021)

Kimbrel signed with the Chicago Cubs in June 2019 after a brief period of free agency. His time with the Cubs was marked by ups and downs, but he remained a key figure in the bullpen. He regained his form during the 2020 season, showcasing his ability to close out games effectively.

Chicago White Sox (2021–present)

In July 2021, Kimbrel was traded to the Chicago White Sox. He continued to serve as a reliable closer, contributing to the team’s playoff aspirations. His experience and skill set have made him an invaluable asset to the White Sox roster.

Pitching Style

Kimbrel is known for his unique pitching style, which includes a high leg kick and a quick delivery. His primary pitches include:

• Fastball: Kimbrel's fastball can reach speeds of up to 100 mph, making it one of the most feared pitches in baseball.
• Curveball: His curveball is known for its sharp break, often leaving hitters off-balance.
• Changeup: Kimbrel also utilizes a changeup to keep hitters guessing.

Awards and Honors

Kimbrel has received numerous awards and honors throughout his career, including:

• 2011 NL Rookie of the Year
• 3× All-Star (2011, 2012, 2013)
• 2× MLB Saves Leader (2011, 2012)
• 4× NL Reliever of the Year (2011, 2012, 2014, 2017)
• 2018 World Series Champion

Personal Life

Craig Kimbrel is married to his college sweetheart, Amanda Kimbrel. The couple has two children together. Kimbrel is known for his philanthropic efforts, often participating in charity events and supporting various causes.

See Also

• Baseball
• Closers
• Major League Baseball
• World Series

References

For more information on Craig Kimbrel's career and statistics, visit the official MLB website or check out his player profile on sports news outlets.