The Orioles released Kimbrel on Tuesday, Dan Connolly of The Athletic reports.
The 36-year-old was designated for assignment by the Orioles last week and will now officially exit the organization. Kimbrel was dominant at times this season as he racked up 23 saves in 29 opportunities, but he surrendered 23 earned runs in his last 19 appearances before Baltimore elected to move on. The right-hander finished with a 5.33 ERA, 1.36 WHIP and 73:31 K:BB across 57 frames and may now find himself at a career crossroads.
The Orioles designated Kimbrel for assignment Wednesday.
Kimbrel had an excellent first half as the Orioles closer in posting a 2.80 ERA and 53:16 K:BB over 35.1 innings while notching 23 saves. He has cratered since the All-Star break, however, turning in a 10.59 ERA, 2.18 WHIP and 15 walks in 17 frames. Kimbrel was being used in a mop-up role this month, and in his most recent appearance Tuesday, he allowed six runs while recording just two outs. The 36-year-old will eventually be released, with the Orioles on the hook for what remains of his $13 million salary in 2024, as well as a $1 million buyout of his 2025 club option.
Kimbrel (7-5) allowed two runs on two hits and struck out one over one inning, taking the loss Saturday versus the Rockies.
Kimbrel couldn't keep the game tied in the eighth inning in a contest that taxed the Orioles' bullpen following Dean Kremer's exit with a forearm injury. August saw Kimbrel receive little high-leverage work, but he still struggled with seven runs allowed and an 8:5 K:BB over 8.2 innings. He's now at a 4.07 ERA, 1.21 WHIP and 67:26 K:BB through 48.2 innings this season. Kimbrel won't be challenging Seranthony Dominguez for the closer role any time soon, though the Orioles' bullpen has been shaky in general for much of the second half.
