The King of Closers: Craig Kimbrel’s Dominance in MLB Saves
Do you know what a closer is in baseball? In simple words, a closer is a pitcher who is brought in towards the end of a game to secure a win for their team. And when it comes to the title of “King of Closers” in Major League Baseball (MLB), one name stands out – Craig Kimbrel.
Kimbrel is a six-time All-Star and a four-time Reliever of the Year award winner. In this blog post, we will dive into the world of Craig Kimbrel and explore what makes him one of the most dominant closers in MLB history.
Introduction
Craig Kimbrel was born on May 28, 1988, in Huntsville, Alabama. In 2007, he was drafted by the Atlanta Braves in the third round of the MLB draft. He made his MLB debut in 2010 as a relief pitcher for the Braves. Since then, he has played for various teams, including the San Diego Padres, Boston Red Sox, and most recently, the Chicago Cubs.
Section 1: Early Career
Kimbrel’s early career was nothing short of impressive. He became the Braves’ full-time closer in 2011 and recorded 46 saves, tying the MLB rookie record. His fastball was clocked at 100 miles per hour, and he became known for his unique pitching style, which includes a windup that looks like he’s holding a sword.
Section 2: Record-Breaking 2012 Season
Kimbrel’s 2012 season was one for the books. He recorded 42 saves, had a 1.01 ERA, and struck out 116 batters in just 62.2 innings pitched. He also set an MLB record for the highest strikeout rate by a pitcher who pitched at least 50 innings. Kimbrel’s dominance on the field earned him his first Reliever of the Year award.
Section 3: All-Star Streak
From 2011 to 2018, Kimbrel was selected to the All-Star Game every year. This impressive streak of eight consecutive selections tied the record for the most consecutive selections by a relief pitcher.
Section 4: Winning the World Series
Kimbrel won his first World Series championship in 2018 with the Boston Red Sox. During the postseason, he recorded six saves and had a 1.98 ERA. He helped the Red Sox defeat the Los Angeles Dodgers in five games to claim the title.
Section 5: Late Start to 2020 Season
Due to contract negotiations, Kimbrel did not sign with a team until midway through the 2020 season. He joined the Chicago Cubs in late July and struggled initially, with an ERA over 10 in his first few outings. However, he improved towards the end of the season and finished with a 0.83 ERA in September.
Section 6: Career Stats
Kimbrel has played in over 600 games in his MLB career, recording 358 saves and a 2.09 ERA. He has struck out over 42% of the batters he has faced and has an impressive WHIP (walks plus hits per innings pitched) of 0.96.
Section 7: Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What is Craig Kimbrel’s net worth?
A: Kimbrel’s net worth is estimated to be around $40 million.
Q: What team does Craig Kimbrel currently play for?
A: Craig Kimbrel is currently a relief pitcher for the Chicago Cubs.
Q: Has Craig Kimbrel won any awards?
A: Yes, Craig Kimbrel has won four Reliever of the Year awards.
Q: What is Craig Kimbrel’s strikeout rate?
A: Craig Kimbrel has an impressive career strikeout rate of over 42%.
Q: What is Craig Kimbrel known for?
A: Craig Kimbrel is known for his unique pitching style and dominant performances as a closer.
Q: What is Craig Kimbrel’s highest velocity pitch?
A: Craig Kimbrel’s fastball has been clocked at 102 miles per hour.
Q: How many saves does Craig Kimbrel have in his career?
A: Craig Kimbrel has recorded over 350 saves in his MLB career.
Conclusion
Craig Kimbrel’s dominance as a closer is undeniable. He has consistently been one of the best relievers in baseball, earning numerous accolades and setting records throughout his career. Whether it’s his unique pitching style, his impressive strikeout rate, or his ability to secure a win for his team, Kimbrel has solidified his place as the King of Closers in MLB.