Craig Kimbrel Joins Kansas City for Another Major-League Bullpen Chance

Craig Kimbrel is getting another major-league opportunity, this time with a Kansas City bullpen searching for stability.

Reuters reported Monday that the 38-year-old right-hander is signing a major-league contract with the Royals and was expected to be activated for Monday night’s game against the Los Angeles Dodgers. The move makes Kansas City his third club of the season and the 12th team of his 17-year career.

The fit is straightforward. Kansas City entered Saturday with a 5.32 bullpen ERA, better than only the Athletics in the majors. The Royals are well outside the American League Central lead and the final wild-card position, but Kimbrel gives the club an experienced late-inning option without requiring a trade.

Kimbrel most recently pitched for Tampa Bay, posting a 3.86 ERA with 17 strikeouts and 10 walks across 18 2/3 innings. The Rays designated him for assignment at the August 3 trade deadline, and he elected free agency after clearing waivers. Earlier this year, he recorded a 6.00 ERA in 14 appearances for the Mets.

The larger story is his pursuit of one more productive chapter. Kimbrel’s 440 career saves rank fifth in major-league history and second among active pitchers behind Detroit’s Kenley Jansen. He has made nine All-Star teams, won Reliever of the Year honors in both leagues and earned a World Series ring with Boston in 2018.

Kansas City does not need Kimbrel to reproduce his peak Atlanta years for the signing to help. It needs strikes, manageable traffic and dependable innings from a bullpen that has struggled. His recent Tampa Bay results offer enough evidence for the Royals to test that possibility.

Because the signing was initially reported rather than accompanied by disclosed contract terms, financial details should not be inferred. The next measurable development is his activation and actual role in the Kansas City bullpen.