The Houston Astros made a surprise move this week, signing veteran reliever Craig Kimbrel. Kimbrel was on a minor league deal with the Texas Rangers, who released Kimbrel to allow him to chase the Major League opportunity. It is a great chance for the veteran to attempt to turn back the clock and play a role for a postseason contender. Houston adding Kimbrel at this stage of the season is a savvy move that attempts to find unexpected value.
Worst-case scenario, Kimbrel isn't able to be productive, and the Astros can easily move on. The possible upside is that the security of the deal allows Kimbrel to settle in and produce at the levels he did at the start of the 2024 season. We are yet to see what is truly left in the tank with the former All-Star closer only having one lone Major League appearance with the Atlanta Braves before hitting free agency yet again.
Kimbrel isn't just any back-of-the-bullpen arm but ranks fifth in MLB history in all-time saves. It is impossible not to be impressed by the 37-year-old hurler's past accomplishments and have a bit of hope that he can rediscover his past form.
Astros Bolster Bullpen with Surprise Signing of Former All-Star Closer
It hasn't been long ago that this was the case with Kimbrel putting together a great first half of the 2024 season with the Baltimore Orioles. However, a late-season implosion skewed his numbers, leaving the veteran bouncing around on minor league deals since the start of the 2025 season. The Astros are the first real chance Kimbrel has been given to cement a role in a big-league bullpen. It is a needed opportunity that Houston can only hope the veteran takes advantage of.
The Astros don't need Kimbrel to become the most dominating version of himself, but only the productive player who played a key role for Baltimore at the start of last season. If this can be the case, Kimbrel not only has a chance to stick on the roster but could become a postseason piece due to Houston's limited options.
Rarely do great players get to go out on their own terms, and that is very much on the table here. Still, there is reason for hope and nothing to be lost by the Astros attempting to find surprise value in the aging reliever.