Report: Orioles near deal with RHP Craig Kimbrel

The Baltimore Orioles are closing in on a contract with reliever Craig Kimbrel, The Athletic reported on Wednesday.

The potential addition of the right-hander would aid a Baltimore bullpen that will be without incumbent closer Felix Bautista, who will likely miss the entire 2024 season after undergoing Tommy John surgery in September.

Kimbrel, 35, posted an 8-6 record with 23 saves and a 3.26 ERA in 71 relief appearances last season for the Philadelphia Phillies. He struck out 94 batters in 69 innings and was named to his ninth All-Star Game in 2023.

Among active pitchers, Kimbrel's 417 career saves trail only Kenley Jansen (420).

Kimbrel has a career 49-42 record and a 2.40 ERA. He led the majors in saves four straight seasons (2011-14) while with the Atlanta Braves.

He's also spent time with the San Diego Padres, Red Sox, Chicago Cubs and Chicago White Sox, winning a World Series with Boston in 2018.

—Field Level Media