Chicago Cubs: Craig Kimbrel giving hope that he is back

The Craig Kimbrel Experience with the Chicago Cubs has not exactly gone as planned. He had signed a three year deal worth $43 million after sitting out until June in 2019, and never seemed comfortable once he returned to the majors. Last year was also a disaster, which could be blamed on the shortened season had Kimbrel not struggled the previous year.

All told, those two seasons in Chicago had been horrendous. Over 36 innings, Kimbrel had a 6.00 ERA and a 1.528 WHiP, notching only 15 saves. While his 14.5 K/9 rate was around his career mark, Kimbrel’s command completely deserted him, as he posted a 6.0 BB/9 mark. Additionally, he was allowing 2.4 homers per nine innings, a combination that spelled disaster.

Chicago Cubs hope Craig Kimbrel is back on track

It was easy to hope that maybe in 2021, things would be different. Kimbrel would have a normal offseason and start spring training on time. However, even that did not go as planned. For as much as spring training statistics do not matter, the Cubs could hardly be encouraged by his 12.27 ERA and 1.800 WHiP in 6.2 innings.

Then the calendar turned to April and the regular season began. A switch flipped within Kimbrel as well, as he has suddenly begun to look like the dominant force he had previously been in the ninth inning. He has yet to allow a baserunner in his 4.2 innings entering Friday, striking out nine while notching two saves.

Kimbrel’s success had made a difference for the Cubs in the standings. Their offense has struggled, ranking 13th in the National League in OPS and ninth in runs scored, yet they are 4-3 heading into Saturday. Had he continued to struggle, that record could look much different.

Obviously, it is a small sample size. The season is far from over, and Kimbrel’s struggles could return at any point in time. But this is still a promising start, giving the Cubs hope that they are finally seeing the dominant closer they thought they had signed.

Craig Kimbrel has been untouchable thus far in 2021. He is finally giving the Chicago Cubs the dominant closer they thought they signed.