The Houston Astros have made headlines by signing veteran reliever Craig Kimbrel to a major league contract. This move comes after Kimbrel was released from a minor league deal with the Texas Rangers, as reported by ESPN’s Jeff Passan on 2025-08-22 03:32:00. With the Astros looking to bolster their struggling bullpen, Kimbrel’s addition could be a game-changer.
- Astros sign Craig Kimbrel to major league contract
- Kimbrel released from Texas minor league deal
- Strong Triple-A performance with 3.00 ERA
- Bullpen struggles prompt Astros' acquisition
- Kimbrel eligible for postseason if signed by Friday
- Astros lead AL West by 1.5 games
Kimbrel, a nine-time All-Star, has had a tumultuous season, spending time in Triple-A with Texas and Atlanta. Despite a solid 3.00 ERA over 39 minor league innings, his command issues—walking nearly 13% of batters—raise questions about his consistency. Can Kimbrel regain his former dominance in Houston’s bullpen?
As Kimbrel steps into a struggling Astros bullpen, the pressure is on him to perform. The team has lost key reliever Josh Hader to injury, and Kimbrel’s track record suggests he could be a vital asset. However, will he be able to handle the high stakes of a playoff push?
- Kimbrel has a 31.5% strikeout rate but struggles with walks.
- Houston’s bullpen ranks among the worst in the league over the past month.
- The signing allows Kimbrel to be postseason-eligible if the Astros qualify.
- Houston leads the AL West, but competition is fierce.
With the regular season winding down, all eyes will be on Kimbrel to see if he can reclaim his elite form and help the Astros secure a playoff berth.
