Craig Kimbrel rejoins Braves on minor league deal

The Atlanta Braves have signed former closer Craig Kimbrel to a minor league deal, marking his return to the team where he previously shined from 2010 to 2014. Kimbrel, who will start the season in Triple-A Gwinnett, is expected to join the major league bullpen if he performs well during his ramp-up period. The move follows the trade of lefty Angel Perdomo, which cleared space for Kimbrel's return as the Braves look to strengthen their bullpen after the departure of key relievers. Despite a challenging recent history, including a disappointing 2024 season with a 5.33 ERA, the Braves are hopeful that Kimbrel can recapture his past dominance. The team has a track record of revitalizing pitchers' careers, which fuels optimism among fans. Kimbrel's one-year deal is valued at $2 million, reflecting a low-risk, potentially high-reward scenario for Atlanta.