The Kansas City Royals are making a significant move to strengthen their pitching staff, reportedly securing the services of veteran right-handed reliever Craig Kimbrel. This acquisition marks a notable point in the seasoned pitcher's career, as he joins his third team within the current season and his twelfth overall across his remarkable 17 years in Major League Baseball.
Kansas City Royals Add All-Star Reliever Craig Kimbrel to Bullpen
In a move that seeks to revitalize their bullpen, the Kansas City Royals have officially signed nine-time All-Star closer Craig Kimbrel. Reports from MLB.com and the New York Post on Sunday, August 10, 2026, confirmed that the 38-year-old right-hander will join the Royals, with expectations for him to be activated in time for the team's Monday night game against the Los Angeles Dodgers.
Kimbrel's addition comes at a crucial time for Kansas City, whose bullpen recorded a 5.32 ERA heading into Saturday's games, a figure only surpassed by the Athletics' 5.70 in the majors. Given the team's current standing—13 games behind in the American League Central and 10.5 games out of the final AL wild-card spot—bringing in a player of Kimbrel's caliber is viewed as a strategic low-risk maneuver to improve their late-game pitching.
Before signing with the Royals, Kimbrel was with the Tampa Bay Rays, where his last appearance on August 2 saw him allow two runs in a home loss to the Chicago White Sox. He was subsequently designated for assignment by the Rays on August 3 at the trade deadline and elected free agency on Thursday after clearing waivers. His tenure with Tampa Bay, which began on May 25, included 19 appearances, where he posted a 0-0 record with a 3.86 ERA, walking 10 and striking out 17 over 18.2 innings. Prior to the Rays, Kimbrel had a brief stint with the New York Mets, recording a 0-2 record with a 6.00 ERA in 14 outings, striking out 15 batters and walking six in 15 innings without registering a save.
Kimbrel's illustrious career boasts a 56-50 record, a 2.67 ERA, and an impressive 440 saves, placing him fifth all-time in MLB history and second among active players behind Kenley Jansen of the Detroit Tigers. He has accumulated 1,314 strikeouts against 362 walks in 855.1 innings across 884 regular-season games, all in relief. He ranks third among active pitchers in games played and is tied for 33rd all-time.
Throughout his career, Kimbrel has earned numerous accolades, including being named the National League Reliever of the Year in 2014 and the American League Reliever of the Year in 2017. He was a key member of the Boston Red Sox team that won the World Series in 2018 and has been selected to nine All-Star Games from 2011-14, 2016-18, 2021, and 2023. Making his major league debut at the age of 21 in 2010, Kimbrel led the NL in saves for four consecutive seasons with the Atlanta Braves, starting with his Rookie of the Year campaign in 2011.
The acquisition of Craig Kimbrel by the Kansas City Royals signifies a clear intent to bolster their bullpen with proven experience. While the Royals may be out of immediate contention for the top spots, adding a pitcher of Kimbrel's caliber could provide stability and leadership to a struggling relief corps. His extensive track record, including numerous All-Star selections and a World Series title, offers valuable expertise that younger pitchers on the team can learn from. For fans, this move represents a glimmer of hope for more competitive games and an opportunity to witness one of baseball's most decorated relievers continue his impactful career, even if it is on his third team of the season.
