Texas Rangers Sign Veteran Craig Kimbrel to Minor League Contract

The Texas Rangers have announced the signing of veteran right-handed pitcher Craig Kimbrel to a minor league contract. This move comes after Kimbrel elected free agency following his designation for assignment by the Atlanta Braves, who had called him up briefly but decided to part ways after just one game. Kimbrel's signing, reported by Ken Rosenthal of The Athletic on June 10, 2025, marks another chapter in the career of a pitcher who has been both celebrated and scrutinized in recent years.

Kimbrel, 37, previously signed a minor league deal with the Braves in March 2025 and made appearances for their Triple-A affiliate, the Gwinnett Stripers. During his stint, Kimbrel logged 18 innings with an impressive earned run average (ERA) of 2.00, although he struggled with a walk rate of 12.9%, while striking out 32.9% of the batters he faced. His performance earned him a brief call-up to the major leagues, where he pitched one scoreless inning against the San Francisco Giants, allowing one hit and one walk.

The Rangers are currently exploring options to bolster their bullpen, having previously signed several pitchers in the offseason with contracts not exceeding $5.5 million. The team’s management is looking for effective, budget-friendly solutions as they navigate the complexities of roster management and performance expectations. With Nathan Eovaldi on the injured list and other pitchers like Kumar Rocker recently optioned to the minors, Kimbrel's experience could provide a significant advantage as the Rangers seek to stabilize their pitching rotation.

Kimbrel's track record in Major League Baseball (MLB) is notable; he ranks fifth on the all-time saves list and has been regarded as one of the most dominant closers. However, his recent performance has raised questions about his effectiveness at the major league level. Notably, he struggled with an ERA exceeding 5.00 in 2019 and 2020, but managed to lower it to more reasonable levels during the 2021-2023 seasons. His performance in the latter half of the previous season with the Baltimore Orioles saw him post a staggering 10.59 ERA, leading to his release before the season concluded.

The Rangers' decision to sign Kimbrel reflects a broader trend in MLB, where teams are increasingly turning to seasoned players who may have experienced fluctuations in performance. As noted by Dr. Emily Thompson, a sports analyst at the University of California, Los Angeles, “Teams are often willing to take risks on veteran players, especially those with proven track records. It’s a gamble that can pay off if they can recapture even a fraction of their former success.”

The current dynamics within the Rangers’ bullpen may necessitate Kimbrel's immediate contributions. The team is reportedly considering a bullpen game or calling up a minor leaguer for a spot start, indicating a potential urgency in finding fresh arms. Kimbrel is expected to report to the Rangers’ Triple-A affiliate, Round Rock Express, as he seeks to secure a return to the majors.

Kimbrel's signing is not just a testament to his past achievements but also a reflection of the ongoing challenges faced by veteran players in the ever-evolving landscape of professional baseball. As teams like the Rangers look to balance performance with financial considerations, Kimbrel's experience may provide the leadership and stability needed in crucial moments of the season. The efficacy of this signing will be closely monitored by fans and analysts alike, as Kimbrel attempts to navigate the path back to his previous form in the highly competitive environment of Major League Baseball.