The Atlanta Braves may have dropped their second consecutive game to the division-rival Washington Nationals on Sunday, but the loss has done little to diminish the club’s impressive season so far. Despite the setback, Atlanta continues to hold one of the top spots in Major League Baseball, thanks to consistent performances across nearly every area of the roster. From powerful offensive production to dependable pitching, the Braves have once again proven why they are considered one of the league’s most dangerous contenders.
A major reason behind Atlanta’s continued success has been the strength of its bullpen. Over the past several seasons, the Braves have built a reputation for possessing one of baseball’s most reliable relief units, especially during postseason play. This year appears no different. The organization strengthened its bullpen even further by bringing back veteran reliever Raisel Iglesias and adding Robert Suarez to the mix, creating a late-game combination that could become one of the most dominant in baseball.
While the current bullpen is receiving praise, attention has also turned toward one of the franchise’s former stars whose career now appears uncertain. Former Braves closer Craig Kimbrel, once regarded as one of the most feared relievers in Major League Baseball, has officially parted ways with the New York Mets after a disappointing stint with the organization.
According to the league’s official transaction log, Kimbrel elected free agency after struggling during his short time with the Mets. The veteran reliever signed a minor league contract with New York earlier in the year and was invited to spring training in hopes of reviving his career. Although he eventually earned a call-up to the major league roster, his performances failed to meet expectations. In 15 innings pitched, Kimbrel recorded a 6.00 ERA before ultimately being designated for assignment.
For many baseball fans, the decline has been difficult to watch. Kimbrel was once among the most dominant closers in the sport. During his prime years with Atlanta, he overwhelmed hitters with a blazing fastball and devastating curveball that produced strikeouts at an elite rate. His signature pitching stance and intimidating mound presence became iconic throughout the league.
However, age and declining velocity have significantly altered the pitcher he once was. MLB Trade Rumors writer Leo Morgenstern recently pointed out that Kimbrel’s fastball no longer reaches the triple-digit speeds that made him nearly unhittable earlier in his career. Instead, his average velocity has dropped to around 93.6 miles per hour. Additionally, his once-lethal curveball no longer generates swings and misses with the same consistency.
Morgenstern noted that Kimbrel will turn 38 years old later this week, an age where many relief pitchers begin facing serious questions about durability and effectiveness. While his current abilities may not resemble the dominant closer who once terrorized opposing lineups, there is still belief that he possesses enough talent to receive another opportunity somewhere in professional baseball.
Even with his struggles, Kimbrel’s résumé remains remarkable. He currently ranks fifth on Major League Baseball’s all-time saves list with 440 career saves, an achievement that reflects years of excellence at the highest level. Few relievers in baseball history have been as dominant during their peak years. His accomplishments include multiple All-Star appearances, elite strikeout numbers, and seasons in which he received consideration for both the Cy Young Award and the National League MVP Award.
Kimbrel’s rise to stardom began with the Braves, where he quickly established himself as one of the best young pitchers in baseball. After debuting with Atlanta, he captured the National League Rookie of the Year Award and immediately became one of the franchise’s cornerstones. Over the next several seasons, he consistently delivered outstanding performances in high-pressure situations, helping solidify Atlanta’s bullpen as one of the league’s best.
At the height of his career, many analysts believed Kimbrel was on a path toward the Baseball Hall of Fame. Closers rarely sustain dominance long enough to build Hall-worthy résumés, but Kimbrel appeared to be one of the few exceptions. His strikeout rates were extraordinary, his save totals climbed rapidly, and his ability to shut down games became almost automatic.
Unfortunately, the second half of his career has not gone as smoothly. After leaving Atlanta, Kimbrel bounced between several organizations, including the San Diego Padres, Boston Red Sox, Chicago Cubs, Los Angeles Dodgers, Philadelphia Phillies, and Baltimore Orioles. While there were occasional flashes of his former brilliance, inconsistency increasingly became an issue.
In recent years, teams have become more hesitant to trust Kimbrel in full-time closer roles. Walks, declining velocity, and command problems have prevented him from maintaining the elite status he once enjoyed. As a result, his role has gradually diminished, leading to shorter contracts and fewer guaranteed opportunities.
His brief time with the Mets now adds another difficult chapter to what has become an uncertain late-career stretch. New York initially hoped Kimbrel’s veteran experience and history of success could provide bullpen depth during the season. Instead, his struggles on the mound forced the organization to move in a different direction.
Still, many around baseball believe Kimbrel’s story may not be over just yet. Relief pitching remains one of the most unpredictable areas of the sport, and experienced veterans often receive additional opportunities because of their track records. Even if Kimbrel is no longer capable of serving as a dominant closer, some teams may still see value in his experience, leadership, and ability to contribute in lower-pressure bullpen situations.
Morgenstern emphasized that although Kimbrel’s current stuff no longer compares to the overpowering arsenal he featured during his prime, he remains more talented than many pitchers competing at the Triple-A level. Because of that, another organization could decide to offer him a minor league contract in hopes of rediscovering some of the effectiveness that once made him elite.
One particularly intriguing possibility would be a reunion with the Atlanta Braves. The organization knows Kimbrel better than anyone, having developed him into a superstar during the early years of his career. Atlanta also has a history of valuing veteran players who understand the pressures of postseason baseball.
While the Braves already possess one of the strongest bullpens in the league, adding a familiar veteran presence could still hold some appeal, especially on a low-risk minor league deal. Kimbrel’s familiarity with the franchise, coaching staff, and fan base could make Atlanta a logical destination if he hopes to make one final attempt at returning to the majors.
Of course, whether the Braves would seriously consider such a move remains uncertain. The team’s current bullpen is already filled with dependable options, and the front office may prefer focusing on younger relievers with greater upside. Still, baseball has seen countless comeback stories, and experienced veterans often find ways to extend their careers longer than expected.
For Braves fans, Kimbrel remains one of the most memorable players of the franchise’s recent era. His dominance during Atlanta’s competitive seasons helped establish the team as a perennial contender, and his performances created unforgettable moments for fans throughout the league. Even though his best years are likely behind him, his impact on the Braves organization remains significant.
As the 2026 season continues, Atlanta’s focus will remain on pursuing another deep postseason run. With one of baseball’s most talented rosters and a bullpen built to handle October pressure, the Braves appear well-positioned to compete for a championship once again. Their recent losses to Washington may have slowed momentum briefly, but they have not changed the broader outlook surrounding the team.
Meanwhile, Craig Kimbrel faces an uncertain future. Whether he receives another chance with a major league organization or ultimately decides to step away from baseball, his career will still be remembered as one of the most accomplished by a reliever in modern history. From Rookie of the Year honors to hundreds of saves and multiple All-Star appearances, Kimbrel achieved a level of success few pitchers ever reach.
Although the possibility of a Hall of Fame induction now seems far less certain than it once did, his legacy as one of the defining closers of his generation is already secure. And as long as he remains willing to compete, there may still be one more opportunity waiting somewhere in professional baseball — perhaps even with the team where it all began, the Atlanta Braves.
READ MORE
