Craig Kimbrel, the Philadelphia Phillies reliever, accomplished a historic feat on Friday night that cemented his position as one of baseball’s greatest closers by becoming the eighth player in MLB history to record 400 saves. Kimbrel joins the likes of Mariano Rivera, Trevor Hoffman, Lee Smith, Francisco Rodriguez, John Franco, and Billy Wagner in this exclusive club. Earlier this season, Kenley Jansen had accomplished this remarkable feat. Moreover, Kimbrel accomplished this milestone by getting NL MVP favorite Ronald Acuna Jr. of his former team, the Atlanta Braves, to ground out as the tying run on the opponent’s home turf.
In his prime, Kimbrel was regarded as the best closer in all of baseball, and his first nine seasons with the Atlanta Braves and Boston Red Sox demonstrated it with remarkable stats. His 1.91 ERA, seven All-Star honors, and five top-nine finishes on the Cy Young Award ballot would vouch for his immaculate performance during this period. Within this time frame, he maintained a 0.92 WHIP, struck out 14.7 batters per nine innings, and accumulated an impressive 333 saves. He also led the National League in saves from 2011 to 2014.
However, in recent years, he hasn’t been able to maintain his earlier form, and his stats have taken a hit. Kimbrel’s 3.94 ERA since 2019 is not the most impressive, although he managed to reduce it to 2.26 in 2021. Moreover, entering Friday night, his ERA had swelled to 6.00 in his first season with the Phillies, following which he changed teams between the Chicago Cubs, Chicago White Sox, and Los Angeles Dodgers over the previous four seasons.
Compared to Rivera and Hoffman, who are the only pitchers in the 500-save club and the 600-save club, Kimbrel still has some distance to travel. It may appear that he is not the dominant closer he once was, but he will always be remembered for being one of the best during his prime in the history of the game.
Despite fluctuating stats and performance, Craig Kimbrel proved himself as one of baseball’s exceptional closers and joined an elite group of players. Kimbrel is undoubtedly one of the few players who have shown consistency in the sport. Although the number of saves is a reflection of Kimbrel’s efforts, it should not be a ruler of his legacy. Kimbrel’s crowning achievements include his ability to work under pressure, his precision in strikes and outs, and his unwavering commitment to the sport.
In the world of sports, one’s legacy is rarely decided by the numbers; it is the moments that live on in the memories of fans. The same holds for Kimbrel. If anyone were to ask me what Kimbrel’s defining career moment is, I’d say his closing performance in Game 4 of the 2018 World Series. He entered the game with only three outs standing between the Boston Red Sox and the title of champions. His performance that night is a demonstration of his unwavering commitment to the sport, the sheer will, and tenacity that defined his remarkable career.
A team’s closer is fundamental to the outcome of the game’s final moments. Kimbrel had the opportunity to end the game, and his team’s success hinged on his performance. It was a stressful situation for anyone, but Kimbrel thrives under pressure. He threw 13 pitches in that game, only one of which was a ball, while striking out the side and securing his team’s victory.
The quest for 400 saves is not an easy one—it takes dedication, perseverance, and commitment to the sport. Baseball fans can now add Craig Kimbrel’s name to the list of greatest closers in history. Kimbrel’s performance over the past decade has been nothing short of exceptional, and it is a testament to his unwavering dedication to the sport. However, one should also recognize that this is just one milestone in Kimbrel’s storied career and that his achievements span far beyond the raw numbers.
John Smoltz, a former teammate of Kimbrel’s in Atlanta, recently said, ‘When Kimbrel enters the game, it’s over. It’s not a question of if.’ Smoltz’s statement reflects the level of dominance that Kimbrel has exhibited whenever he’s been on the field.
Some argue that the role of the closer is over-glorified and overpaid. But a seasoned sports fan understands the importance of the closer. They are the one who sets the tone for the team and decides the fate of the game. It’s a position that demands efficiency, diligence, and nerve. Kimbrel’s career is a testament to the importance of the closer’s role in baseball.
Kimbrel has fought against battling injuries in the past and has risen above them to establish himself as an elite closer. His drive and motivation have been stellar, and, as a result, Craig Kimbrel can be considered one of the most successful and tenacious players in baseball. His performance on the field has been exceptional, and his talent undeniable.
Kimbrel’s game is defined by his terrifying fastball, his knuckle-curve, and the occasional changeup. When you combine his pitches with his demeanor, it becomes a lethal combination. Kimbrel is a fierce competitor with nerves of steel, and his approach never waivers in high-pressure situations. It’s no wonder that opposing teams—not to mention even his teammates and manager—fear him.
What would baseball be without the excitement and drama of a closer’s pitch? It’s the anticipation of holding onto the lead or making the comeback—the rush that’s created when the closer steps onto the mound. A closer’s job is a complex one that demands skill, instinct, and insightful thinking. Baseball wouldn’t be where it is today without the contribution of these fantastic athletes. Kimbrel’s milestone is a reflection of his remarkable career and a testament to the sport of baseball.
As Kimbrel’s career trudges on, it becomes increasingly apparent that he is one of the greatest closers of all time, and his legacy is secure. He has already established himself as one of the elite players in the sport, and the millions of fans worldwide who have followed his career have witnessed his talent, grit, and determination on full display.
Regardless of the outcome of the remainder of Kimbrel’s career, his position as one of baseball’s greatest, most elite closers will live on. Kimbrel’s journey to 400 saves may have been difficult, but his unwavering commitment to the sport is something baseball fans around the world have come to love and respect. He has become an essential part of baseball history and will undoubtedly continue to leave an indelible mark on the sport.
Craig Kimbrel’s journey to 400 saves is a testament to his exceptional talent, tenacity, and work ethic. His contributions to the sport of baseball cannot be boiled down to a single number, and his remarkable career is a product of his commitment to the sport. Kimbrel may have reached a significant milestone in his career, but it is merely the beginning of a long-lasting legacy that will live on for years to come.