Craig Kimbrel is known as one of the best closers in the history of baseball. With an impressive 2.42 ERA and 430 career saves, he has solidified his place among the greatest to ever play the game. However, his performance in the postseason has been a point of contention. Despite capturing a World Series ring with the Red Sox in 2018, Kimbrel has struggled in the postseason throughout his career. With a 4.50 ERA in playoff appearances and a lower strikeout rate than in the regular season, some critics have started to question his ability to perform when it matters most.
Most recently, Kimbrel faced criticism for his performance in the NLCS collapse against the Diamondbacks in 2023. After a series of disappointing outings, he became a target for frustrated Phillies fans who blamed him for the team’s failures. This led to Kimbrel leaving the Phillies in free agency and joining the Baltimore Orioles.
Since joining the Orioles, Kimbrel has continued to face scrutiny from fans and media alike. Some have even gone as far as to label him a “washed-up loser” who can’t deliver in crucial moments. Despite his solid 2.95 ERA this year, Kimbrel has already blown three saves with the Orioles, raising concerns about his reliability in high-pressure situations.
As the Orioles gear up for a potential postseason run, the question of Kimbrel’s role in the bullpen becomes increasingly important. With the trade deadline approaching, GM Mike Elias may need to consider acquiring additional bullpen arms to strengthen the team’s chances in October. While Kimbrel, along with pitchers like Yennier Cano and Danny Columbe, have been solid so far, there is still a sense of uncertainty surrounding their ability to perform when it matters most.
With FanGraphs giving the Orioles a 92.2% chance of making the postseason, Kimbrel will likely have the opportunity to redeem himself on the big stage. Orioles fans will be watching closely to see if he can finally overcome his postseason struggles and help lead the team to success. Only time will tell if Kimbrel can silence his critics and prove that he has what it takes to be a reliable closer in the playoffs.