Career Timeline of Craig Kimbrel: Major Achievements and Milestones

Discover the career path of Craig Kimbrel, from the first major opportunity to industry-changing achievements.

Craig Kimbrel is a professional baseball pitcher currently playing for the New York Mets. Renowned for his role as a closer, he has played for several MLB teams, including the Atlanta Braves, San Diego Padres, Boston Red Sox, and others. A nine-time All-Star, Kimbrel has also been named Reliever of the Year four times. He won a World Series title with the Boston Red Sox in 2018. Kimbrel is known for his distinctive pre-pitch stance and high velocity fastball, making him one of the prominent closers in Major League Baseball.

Sections (3)

Full Timeline Career & Achievements Success & Recognition

1979: Led NL in Saves for Four Consecutive Seasons

In 2014, Craig Kimbrel finished the season leading the NL with 47 saves and became the first pitcher to lead the NL in saves for four consecutive seasons since Bruce Sutter (1979–82).

1986: Tied NL Rookie Record for Saves

In 2011, Craig Kimbrel tied the National League rookie record for saves in a season at 36, a record previously set in 1986 by Todd Worrell of the St. Louis Cardinals.

2007: Freshman Year at Wallace State

In 2007, as a freshman at Wallace State Community College, Craig Kimbrel had an 8–0 win–loss record with a 1.99 earned run average, serving as the team's closer and a spot starter.

2007: Drafted by the Atlanta Braves

In 2007, the Atlanta Braves selected Craig Kimbrel in the 33rd round of the MLB draft, but he chose to stay at Wallace State to improve his draft position.

2008: Braves Draft Kimbrel

In 2008, Craig Kimbrel was drafted by the Atlanta Braves in the third round as the 96th overall pick.

2008: Sophomore Year at Wallace State

In 2008, Craig Kimbrel's sophomore year at Wallace State Community College, he had a 9–3 record with a 2.88 ERA, striking out 123 hitters in 81 innings.

May 15, 2010: First MLB Call-Up

On May 15, 2010, Craig Kimbrel received his first call-up from the Gwinnett Braves to replace the injured Jair Jurrjens on the roster.

June 4, 2010: Second MLB Call-Up

On June 4, 2010, Craig Kimbrel was called up for the second time in his career to replace Takashi Saito, who was placed on the 15-day DL.

September 19, 2010: First Major League Save

On September 19, 2010, Craig Kimbrel earned his first major league save against the New York Mets.

2011: Record-Breaking Rookie Season

In 2011, Craig Kimbrel had a record-breaking rookie season. He broke the Braves rookie record for saves, tied and then broke the NL rookie record for saves, recorded his 100th strikeout and a streak of scoreless innings. He also broke Neftali Feliz's rookie save record and surpassed Cliff Lee's scoreless inning record. He was named NL Rookie of the Month and Delivery Man of the Month for August.

2011: Primary Closer and Record-Breaking Rookie Season

In 2011, Craig Kimbrel started the season as the Atlanta Braves' primary closer. He broke several records including most saves by a National League rookie before the All-Star break, and the fastest Braves pitcher to reach 100 career strikeouts.

2011: Named Braves Closer and Rookie of the Year

In 2011, as a rookie with the Atlanta Braves, Kimbrel was named the team's closer. He also set a Major League Baseball record for saves by a rookie with 46 and won the National League Rookie of the Year Award.

2012: All-Star Selection and Delivery Man of the Month

In 2012, Craig Kimbrel was selected for the All-Star team for his performance. He also won the Delivery Man of the Month Award for September.

2012: Kimbrel's Regular Season with the Braves

In 2012, before the World Baseball Classic, Craig Kimbrel did not surrender a lead-off double all year while playing with the Braves.

2012: Dominant Season, Rolaids Relief Man Award

Throughout the 2012 season, Craig Kimbrel dominated as a pitcher. He led the National League with 42 saves and won the NL Rolaids Relief Man Award. He struck out 116 batters and finished fifth in the NL Cy Young Award voting and eighth in NL MVP voting.

2013: Played in World Baseball Classic

In 2013, Craig Kimbrel pitched for the United States national team in the World Baseball Classic.

2013: 100th Career Save and Other Milestones

In 2013, Craig Kimbrel reached his 100th career save, becoming the second-youngest player in MLB history to reach that mark. He also became only the second Atlanta pitcher to have three 30-save seasons, surpassing John Smoltz's Braves record of 27 consecutive saves.

February 16, 2014: Contract Extension with the Braves

On February 16, 2014, Craig Kimbrel agreed to a four-year, $42 million contract extension with the Atlanta Braves.

2014: Led NL in Saves

Craig Kimbrel led the National League in saves for the fourth consecutive season in 2014.

April 5, 2015: Traded to San Diego Padres

On April 5, 2015, Craig Kimbrel was traded to the San Diego Padres along with B. J. Upton.

June 2015: Recorded 200th Save

In June 2015, while playing for the San Diego Padres, Craig Kimbrel recorded his 200th career save.

November 13, 2015: Traded to Boston Red Sox

On November 13, 2015, the San Diego Padres traded Craig Kimbrel to the Boston Red Sox.

2016: ALDS Appearances

During the 2016 American League Division Series, Craig Kimbrel made two appearances and retired all four batters he faced as the Red Sox were swept by the Cleveland Indians.

2016: 2016 Season Stats with Red Sox

In 2016 with the Red Sox, Craig Kimbrel had a 3.40 ERA with 83 strikeouts and 31 saves in 57 appearances.

May 11, 2017: Immaculate Inning

On May 11, 2017, against the Milwaukee Brewers, Craig Kimbrel struck out the side on nine consecutive pitches, pitching an immaculate inning. He was later named American League Reliever of the Month for May.

2017: 2017 Season Stats with Red Sox

In 2017, Craig Kimbrel made 67 regular season appearances for the Red Sox, finishing 51 games with 35 saves and a 1.43 ERA.

2017: ALDS Appearances

In the 2017 ALDS, Craig Kimbrel appeared in two one-inning games, where he faced 12 batters and gave up 4 hits.

May 5, 2018: Recorded 300th Career Save

On May 5, 2018, Craig Kimbrel recorded his 300th career save, achieving the milestone in fewer games, save opportunities, and at a younger age than any other MLB pitcher.

May 2018: Recorded 300th Save

In May 2018, with the Boston Red Sox, Craig Kimbrel achieved his 300th career save, becoming the youngest pitcher in MLB history to reach this milestone.

2018: World Series Champion

In 2018, Craig Kimbrel was a member of a World Series championship team.

June 7, 2019: Signed with Chicago Cubs

On June 7, 2019, Craig Kimbrel signed a three-year contract with the Chicago Cubs for $43 million.

August 18, 2019: Reactivated from IL

On August 18, 2019, Craig Kimbrel was reactivated from the IL to help the Cubs beleaguered bullpen.

2019: Free Agent

Craig Kimbrel did not sign with any teams during the off-season and remained a free agent into the 2019 season.

2020: 2020 Season Performance

During the pandemic-shortened 2020 season, Craig Kimbrel had a 5.28 ERA with 28 strikeouts and 12 walks.

May 26, 2021: Advanced to 11th on All-Time Saves List

On May 26, 2021, Craig Kimbrel moved to 11th on the all-time saves list after the Cubs beat the Pirates 4-1.

July 30, 2021: Traded to Chicago White Sox

On July 30, 2021, Craig Kimbrel was traded to the Chicago White Sox.

April 1, 2022: Kimbrel traded to the Dodgers

On April 1, 2022, Craig Kimbrel was traded from the White Sox to the Los Angeles Dodgers in exchange for A.J. Pollock. He pitched 63 games for the Dodgers with a 6-7 record, a 3.75 ERA, and 22 saves but was later removed from the closer role and did not participate in the playoffs.

2022: Option Exercised by White Sox

The White Sox exercised Craig Kimbrel's $16 million option for the 2022 season.

January 4, 2023: Kimbrel signs with Phillies

On January 4, 2023, Craig Kimbrel signed a one-year, $10 million contract with the Philadelphia Phillies.

May 26, 2023: Achieved 400 Career Saves

On May 26, 2023, Craig Kimbrel became the eighth MLB pitcher to reach 400 career saves.

December 6, 2023: Kimbrel signs with the Orioles

On December 6, 2023, Craig Kimbrel signed a one-year, $13 million deal with the Baltimore Orioles, including a club option for 2025.

2024: Kimbrel's performance with the Orioles

In 2024, Craig Kimbrel made 57 appearances for Baltimore, compiling a 7-5 record and a 5.33 ERA with 73 strikeouts and 23 saves, before being designated for assignment on September 18.