Craig Kimbrel signs with AL East squad

Sep 20, 2023; Cumberland, Georgia, USA; Philadelphia Phillies relief pitcher Craig Kimbrel (31) shown on the pitchers mound during the game against the Atlanta Braves during the ninth inning at Truist Park. Mandatory Credit: Dale Zanine-USA TODAY Sports

Craig Kimbrel is making another stop on his baseball journey.

Kimbrel and the Baltimore Orioles agreed on a 1-year, $13 million deal. The news comes after reports on Tuesday night said Kimbrel was in serious discussions with the team.

Free-agent reliever Craig Kimbrel close to deal with Orioles, source tells @TheAthletic. Late last night, @Joelsherman1 reported serious discussions.

— Ken Rosenthal (@Ken_Rosenthal) December 6, 2023

The Orioles’ signing of Kimbrel helps them fill the closer role in 2024.

Felix Bautista put together an All-Star season for the Orioles in 2023, but the 28-year-old is out for the season due to Tommy John surgery. Bautista went 8-2 with 33 saves and a 1.48 ERA last season.

Kimbrel spent last season with the Phillies and made the All-Star team. He went 8-6 with 23 saves and a 3.26 ERA. The Orioles will be Kimbrel’s eighth team. The former 2011 NL Rookie of the Year with the Atlanta Braves, Kimbrel will be on his fifth team since 2021.