ATLANTA — In a stunning and unconventional move at the MLB trade deadline, the Atlanta Braves have officially added veteran closer Craig Kimbrel to their Double-A Mississippi Braves roster, a surprising twist that has raised eyebrows across the league and sparked speculation about a potential late-season bullpen shake-up.
The move, confirmed by the Braves front office late Tuesday, comes just hours after the trade deadline passed. While many anticipated Atlanta might pursue a high-profile arm for the stretch run, few expected the return of Kimbrel, the franchise’s all-time saves leader, in this fashion.
Kimbrel, 36, was recently designated for assignment after an up-and-down season, and the Braves wasted no time reuniting with the fan-favorite reliever. Rather than adding him directly to the MLB roster, the team opted to place him in Double-A — a strategic move that could allow Kimbrel to get into a rhythm, refine mechanics, and work back to full strength before a potential September call-up.
“Craig’s legacy here speaks for itself,” Braves president of baseball operations Alex Anthopoulos said in a brief statement. “We believe he still has something left in the tank, and this gives him the opportunity to get his footing before we consider next steps.”
Kimbrel, who debuted with Atlanta in 2010 and became a dominant force in the late innings during his time with the team, has amassed over 400 career saves and remains one of the most feared closers of his generation. While his recent seasons have featured some inconsistency, the Braves are clearly betting on a familiar face with postseason experience and a fiery edge.
Fans quickly took to social media to react to the news, many expressing excitement over the potential of seeing Kimbrel back on the mound in a Braves uniform for a late-season run. Others questioned the unusual move, wondering if it signals further bullpen adjustments on the horizon.
For now, Kimbrel will suit up in Mississippi, where he’ll look to prove he’s still got the heat and control that once made him an elite closer in the game.
Could a full-circle return to Atlanta’s bullpen be in the works? Stay tuned — this reunion just might be heating up at the perfect time.
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