Nine-time All-Star closer, and the St. Louis Cardinals have faced off numerous times throughout the years. Perhaps it’s time for the two to put the past behind them and ultimately reconcile. Kimbrel, who turns 37 in May, is still unsigned following a dismal season with the Baltimore Orioles. In 57 games, the experienced reliever posted a 7-5 record, a 5.33 ERA, and -1.1 bWAR.
Kimbrel resembled his former All-Star self in the first half, with a 2.80 ERA and 23 saves. The fewer details regarding his 10.59 ERA and 20-15 K-BB ratio in the second half, the better. Cardinals fans may not be thrilled with the thought of signing Kimbrel. However, the St. Louis Post-Dispatch stated that the Cardinals are still looking for an experienced reliever.
In that situation, the Cardinals should definitely pursue Kimbrel, even if only on a minor league contract. The best-case scenario is that he has another strong first half for a rebuilding squad and appeals to contenders as an extra veteran arm. If the worst-case scenario is that Kimbrel’s peak years are behind him, so be it. The Cardinals don’t have much to lose as they prepare to embark on a new era, most certainly without perennial All-Star third baseman Nolan Arenado.
Kimbrel has a 2.23 ERA and 19 saves in 38 games versus the Cardinals since his debut in 2010. He is also familiar with the NL Central, having pitched for the Chicago Cubs from 2019 to 2021. Kimbrel is unquestionably far off from his peak years with the Atlanta Braves and Boston Red Sox. Kimbrel has made two All-Star Games since the beginning of 2019, but he has a 3.90 ERA during that time.
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According to Spotrac, Kimbrel has earned roughly $128 million over the course of his career. If he wants to pitch this season and possibly win a second World Series ring, one would expect him to accept a minor-league contract. A partnership between the Cardinals and Kimbrel sounds intriguing, even though he is only a middle reliever. We’ll see if the Cardinals feel the same way.
