The Baltimore Orioles and Craig Kimbrel officially agreed to a one-year, $13 million contract on Wednesday, following rumors that the two parties were very close to a deal.
A $13 million team option with a $1 million buyout for 2025 is also included in Kimbrel’s contract. After surpassing Kyle Gibson’s $10 million compensation from the previous season, Kimbrel will become the Orioles’ primary closer and the highest-paid player in the Mike Elias era with Félix Bautista out for the entirety of 2024.
It’s obvious that the Orioles have upgraded with the addition of a closer who is ranked eighth in the AL/NL save leaderboard with 417, but what does the depth chart look like now that the player has signed?
Naturally, Kimbrel rises to the top of the bullpen; 417 saves will do that for a squad. With this change, Yennier Cano can continue to play the setup role and be ready to come in and pick up saves when Kimbrel needs a night off. In addition, Danny Coulombe may continue to be the Orioles bullpen’s best lefty option, entering the game as a kind of matchup hero.
Righty Jacob Webb and southpaw Cionel Pérez may continue to play middle relievers who occasionally earn leverage spots, which is the job they did best in. Mike Baumann is a remote contender for a slot despite playing a significant part in the bullpen situation the previous season. He might be removed from the roster by Kimbrel.
It’s challenging.