Report: Astros signing Kimbrel to MLB deal

The Houston Astros are signing veteran reliever Craig Kimbrel to a major-league contract, sources told ESPN's Jeff Passan.

Kimbrel had been pitching for the Texas Rangers' Triple-A affiliate since June. Texas released him earlier Thursday, clearing the way for his move across the state.

Kimbrel put up a 3.86 ERA and 1.14 WHIP with 28 strikeouts, 12 walks, and five saves over 24 appearances with Round Rock prior to his release.

The 37-year-old endured a woeful 2024 campaign with the Baltimore Orioles, leading him to begin this year with the Atlanta Braves' Triple-A club on a minor-league deal. He made one big-league appearance with Atlanta in June before being released and catching on with Texas.

Houston has been in need of front-end bullpen reinforcements after closer Josh Hader suffered a shoulder injury earlier this month. Bryan Abreu has been the Astros' primary closer in Hader's absence.

One of the most decorated closers in MLB history, Kimbrel's 440 saves rank fifth all-time. The nine-time All-Star is also a four-time Reliever of the Year award winner, and helped the Boston Red Sox win a World Series in 2018.

Kimbrel was an All-Star with the Philadelphia Phillies in 2023. However, he fell off with the Orioles, posting a 5.33 ERA and a career-worst 5.3 BB/9 rate over 57 appearances before being released in mid-September.