Braves Veteran 'Disappointed’ With Team’s Treatment Of Franchise Legend

Legendary closer Craig Kimbrel recently joined the Kansas City Royals, marking his 12th MLB team in a 17-year career. Kimbrel, 5th all-time in saves with 440, had his most dominant years with the Atlanta Braves, where he became NL Rookie of the Year in 2011 and the franchise's all-time saves leader.

However, his recent brief return to the Braves organization last season ended poorly, with him being called up for just one game before being designated for assignment.

Former Braves teammate Jonny Venters criticized the team's handling of Kimbrel, expressing disappointment that the franchise legend wasn't given more opportunities. Despite his best days being behind him at 38, Kimbrel's legacy with Atlanta remains secure, prompting questions about whether he deserved a more fitting farewell.

Legendary closer Craig Kimbrel’s latest chapter in Major League Baseball has taken to yet another franchise, making it an even dozen across a 17-year career, but the former Atlanta Braves All-Star remains closely connected to the franchise where he became one of the most dominant relievers of his generation.

Key Analysis and Detailed Timeline

Kimbrel recently signed with the Kansas City Royals as he tries to continue a remarkable career, despite an increasingly winding path in and out of the majors. “The Royals have finalized a Major League deal with veteran reliever Craig Kimbrel, and he was activated and available in their bullpen for Monday night's series opener against the Dodgers in Los Angeles,” MLB.com’s Ann Rogers and Jack Janes reported earlier this month.

“One of the best closers in history, Kimbrel’s 440 career saves ranks fifth on the all-time saves list, and he has a 2.67 ERA with 1,314 strikeouts in 884 appearances across his 17 seasons.” The best of Kimbrel’s career resume was accumulated across a few different teams, but he was never better than he was with the Braves, where he emerged as a generational reliever.

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He burst onto the scene there in 2011, immediately taking over as Atlanta’s closer and establishing himself as one of baseball’s most intimidating ninth-inning weapons. He set the National League rookie record for saves before the All-Star break, earned an All-Star selection and ultimately finished his debut season with 46 saves and the NL Rookie of the Year Award.

Broader Impact and Sector Outlook

Kimbrel’s dominance continued well beyond his rookie campaign. He led the National League in saves for four consecutive seasons, and in 2014 he surpassed John Smoltz to become the Braves’ all-time franchise leader in saves. That history made Kimbrel’s brief return to Atlanta last season especially notable.

“Eleven years after recording his final save with Atlanta, he was back with the Braves last season, toiling away in Triple A for two months before being called up for one road game,” Sam Blum noted for The Athletic. “He recorded three outs, allowed a hit and a walk, and was unceremoniously DFA’d.

A perfect encapsulation of where his career was, and what it had become.” And for former Braves teammate Jonny Venters, who was himself an All-Star with the Braves in 2011, that treatment “I was disappointed in the way that got handled,” Venters said of Kimbrel’s second stint with the Braves, per Blum.

“I just wish (Kimbrel) would have gotten a few more opportunities with them. At least let him come home to Atlanta. As an outsider looking in, I didn’t love it.” Kimbrel has since continued searching for opportunities, with the Royals becoming his latest destination.

At 38, his best days are clearly behind him, but his place in Braves history is secure. For Atlanta fans, the lingering question is whether Kimbrel deserved one final opportunity to pitch at home for the organization where his Hall of Fame-caliber career began.