A Major Setback for Houston
Astros sign Craig Kimbrel after losing All-Star closer Josh Hader, who will miss the rest of the regular season because of a shoulder injury. Hader’s absence creates a major void in Houston’s late innings and could heavily impact their postseason run.
However, the Astros quickly moved to patch the hole. On Thursday evening, the club agreed to terms with Craig Kimbrel, a nine-time All-Star and one of the most decorated relievers in baseball history. ESPN’s Jeff Passan reported that Kimbrel could join the team as early as this weekend’s series against the Baltimore Orioles.
Why Kimbrel?
At 37 years old, Kimbrel brings unmatched experience to the Astros’ bullpen, which is why Astros sign Craig Kimbrel in hopes of stabilizing their relief corps. A three-time Reliever of the Year, the 2011 NL Rookie of the Year, and a 2018 World Series champion, he boasts an incredible résumé. With 440 career saves, he ranks second among all active pitchers, behind only Kenley Jansen.
Over 16 seasons and eight different teams, Kimbrel has built a reputation as one of the most dominant relievers in the game, excelling with the Atlanta Braves and Boston Red Sox in particular. His ability to shine in pressure-packed moments has made him one of the most feared closers of his generation. Still, even though the Astros sign Craig Kimbrel to lean on that experience, the lingering question remains: can he consistently deliver at an elite level in 2025?
Recent Performance: Mixed Results
Looking back, Kimbrel showed flashes of dominance as recently as 2023 with the Philadelphia Phillies, where he earned another All-Star nod. During that campaign, his ERA+ sat 32 percent above league average—a strong indicator of effectiveness.
Still, October exposed his inconsistencies. Kimbrel struggled in the 2023 NLCS against the Arizona Diamondbacks, blowing a critical save. His performance dipped further in 2024 with the Orioles, when he finished 27 percent below league average by ERA+.
These recent struggles make his signing both exciting and risky. Astros fans are hopeful his vast experience will outweigh concerns about declining consistency.
The Bryan Abreu Factor
While Kimbrel joins the roster, it is important to note he won’t immediately step in as the Astros’ closer. That role now belongs to Bryan Abreu, a right-hander who has quietly been one of the most effective arms in Houston’s bullpen.
Abreu has the talent to anchor the ninth inning, but postseason baseball often requires multiple trusted arms for high-leverage situations. That’s where Kimbrel fits in. If he can regain form in September, he could become a crucial piece in bridging the gap to Abreu.
Can Kimbrel Help in October?
The Astros know postseason drama well, and their bullpen depth will face another test. Manager Joe Espada knows he must navigate a roster filled with both unproven relievers and veterans with something left to prove.
Kimbrel’s pedigree suggests he can thrive in October, but his recent track record raises doubts. Houston will likely use him in middle-to-late-inning scenarios, giving him chances to prove he can still handle playoff pressure. A strong finish to September would almost certainly earn him a bigger role.
Looking Ahead
The timing of this move is critical. Houston begins a four-game series in Baltimore on Thursday, and Kimbrel could be activated as soon as Friday. For fans, the sight of Kimbrel in an Astros uniform will bring a mix of nostalgia and hope—nostalgia for his years as a dominant closer, and hope that he can provide stability in a bullpen suddenly facing uncertainty.
With Hader sidelined, the Astros must rely on both new and familiar faces to carry the load. If Kimbrel delivers, this move could go down as one of the most impactful late-season signings in recent memory.