Craig Kimbrel's Success and Achievements in Timeline

By Popular Timelines Editorial Team · Updated: May 14, 2026

A success timeline featuring the most significant achievements of Craig Kimbrel.

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.

2001: Unanimous Rookie of the Year

In 2001, Albert Pujols was the first unanimous selection for Rookie of the Year until Craig Kimbrel was selected in 2011.

2002: Kimbrel's pitch percentage

Craig Kimbrel is tied for third among all pitchers from 2002 to 2012 in the highest percentage of pitches that resulted in swinging strikes.

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.

2011: Kimbrel's Fastball Ranking

In the 2011 season, Craig Kimbrel's four-seam fastball was the 12th-fastest among major league relievers. He also threw the hardest curveball, averaging 87 miles per hour.

2012: Kimbrel's pitch percentage

Craig Kimbrel is tied for third among all pitchers from 2002 to 2012 in the highest percentage of pitches that resulted in swinging strikes.

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: 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: 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.

2014: Led NL in Saves

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

June 2015: Recorded 200th Save

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

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.

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.

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.

May 26, 2023: Achieved 400 Career Saves

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

April 2026: Kimbrel's pitching statistics

As of April 2026, Craig Kimbrel's career strikeouts per nine innings rate is 14.0. This is achieved through using a combination of a four-seam fastball and a power curveball.