The Houston Astros have agreed to sign veteran closer Craig Kimbrel to a major league contract, aiming to bolster their struggling bullpen for the playoff push.
Craig Kimbrel is a nine-time All-Star and former Rookie of the Year with over 16 seasons of MLB experience and 440 career saves, ranking fifth all-time. He struggled with the Baltimore Orioles in 2024, posting a 5.33 ERA, and spent most of 2025 in the minors with the Atlanta Braves and Texas Rangers before this deal.
The signing involves a major league contract, meaning Kimbrel will join the Astros’ active roster immediately upon official confirmation, requiring the team to make corresponding roster moves to accommodate him.
The agreement was first reported by Jeff Passan of ESPN on August 21, 2025, and is expected to be finalized on August 22, ensuring Kimbrel’s eligibility for postseason play if the Astros qualify.
Kimbrel will be joining the Houston Astros, who are based in Houston, Texas, and currently lead the American League West division by 1.5 games over the Seattle Mariners.
The Astros’ bullpen has been a significant weakness, ranking 27th in ERA over the past month and dealing with the loss of closer Josh Hader to a shoulder injury. There is a pressing need for reliable right-handed relief, as the bullpen has been overly reliant on left-handed pitchers.
Kimbrel was recently granted his release from a minor league deal with the Texas Rangers, where he posted a 3.00 ERA in 39 innings at Triple-A with a high strikeout rate of 31.5% but also a concerning walk rate of nearly 13%. The Astros are banking on his experience and ability to miss bats despite reduced velocity.
This move adds a veteran with extensive postseason experience (30 appearances) to the bullpen, potentially providing stability in high-leverage situations. However, Kimbrel’s fastball velocity has declined to the low 90s, raising questions about his effectiveness against MLB hitters.
Kimbrel will have approximately five weeks of regular season games to demonstrate his value and secure a spot on the potential postseason roster. The Astros hope he can contribute to their championship aspirations by strengthening the bullpen down the stretch.