Braves legend Craig Kimbrel makes big career decision after Atlanta release

Craig Kimbrel had a decision to make.

After the Atlanta Braves designated him for assignment, he could've accepted the outcome and reported to Triple-A.

Kimbrel picked the other choice, electing free agency.

The Braves announced the news on Monday after Kimbrel cleared waivers.

They DFA'd Kimbrel on Saturday to remove him from the 40-man roster.

Kimbrel had just made his MLB return to Atlanta after 11 seasons away the night before, throwing a scoreless inning.

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The Braves decided they didn't need Kimbrel any longer, though, and now he's out of the organization as a free agent.

The dominant closer pitched five original seasons in Atlanta to the tune of a magnificent 1.43 ERA. In 289 innings with the Braves, Kimbrel struck out an absurd 476 batters.

Since Kimbrel left after the 2014 season, he pitched for the Padres, Red Sox, Cubs, White Sox, Dodgers, Phillies and Orioles.

Kimbrel spent much of 2024 in the majors with Baltimore, but he had a 5.33 ERA and was released in September.

It seems likely the closer has at least some sense of another job offer out there or he could've just stayed in an organization he was familiar with.

But it's certainly close to the end of Kimbrel's career no matter what happens next.

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