HOUSTON, TX – August 21, 2025 – The Houston Astros today announced that they have signed nine-time All-Star and veteran relief pitcher Craig Kimbrel to a major league contract. Kimbrel, 37, will join the team’s active roster immediately and is expected to provide a much-needed boost to the bullpen during the club’s playoff push.
Kimbrel joins the Astros after being released from a minor league deal with the Texas Rangers. The right-hander has a career 449 saves, ranking him fifth all-time in MLB history. He won a World Series with the Boston Red Sox in 2018 and has also pitched for the Braves, Padres, Cubs, White Sox, Dodgers, Phillies, and Orioles.
“Craig is a proven veteran with a track record of success at the highest level,” said Astros General Manager Dana Brown. “With the recent injury to Josh Hader, we felt it was important to add another high-leverage arm to our bullpen. His experience and leadership will be invaluable to our pitching staff as we head into the final stretch of the season.”
Kimbrel’s signing comes at a critical time for the Astros, who are in the midst of a four-game losing streak and a historic offensive slump. The team is currently 1.5 games behind the Seattle Mariners for first place in the American League West. Kimbrel is eligible for the postseason as long as he is on the active roster on September 1.
The Astros will make a corresponding roster move to accommodate Kimbrel’s addition to the 26-man roster.