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Chicago Cubs: Craig Kimbrel on Hall of Fame path

By David Hill

May 25, 2021; Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA; Chicago Cubs relief pitcher Craig Kimbrel (46) looks to the catcher for a sign against the Pittsburgh Pirates during the ninth inning at PNC Park. Mandatory Credit: Charles LeClaire-USA TODAY Sports
May 25, 2021; Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA; Chicago Cubs relief pitcher Craig Kimbrel (46) looks to the catcher for a sign against the Pittsburgh Pirates during the ninth inning at PNC Park. Mandatory Credit: Charles LeClaire-USA TODAY Sports /
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It is notoriously difficult for even the greatest closers to get any traction for the Hall of Fame. Only eight pitchers who were primarily relievers in their careers have been inducted, a surprisingly low number. This is the history that, eventually, Chicago Cubs closer Craig Kimbrel will be staring down.

By the time he retires, other relievers may be in the Hall. Billy Wagner is starting to see an increase in votes, and Francisco Rodriguez may receive support for his candidacy. However, Kimbrel surpasses both in terms of his resume.

Chicago Cubs closer Craig Kimbrel carving Hall of Fame career

Even before looking at his statistical accomplishments, Kimbrel has a resume that most players would be envious of. A seven time All Star, he was named the 2011 NL Rookie of the Year, was named the 2012 Rolaids Reliever of the Year, and took home both the AL and NL Reliever of the Year awards. Few closers can match his accolades.

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Kimbrel has the numbers to back up the recognition he has received. Entering Friday, he has posted a career 2.09 ERA and a 0.943 WHiP, striking out 978 batters in his 599 innings. He is the active leader in saves, with his 368 saves ranking ninth in MLB history.

Given his age, and his success this season, it seems highly probable that Kimbrel will become the seventh closer in MLB history to reach the 400 save plateau. Of the six closers to reach that mark, three are in the Hall of Fame, while Wagner and Rodriguez stand a fair chance of being inducted. The sixth, John Franco, likely deserved more consideration than he received.

To truly cement his case, Kimbrel may need to reach the 500 save mark. That is a total that has been accomplished twice, by Mariano Rivera and Trevor Hoffman. Reaching that plateau would almost certainly mean that he would be heading to Cooperstown, and given his age and current total, that mark may be within his grasp.

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Chicago Cubs closer Craig Kimbrel is building an impressive resume. It may be enough to be inducted into the Hall of Fame when his career is over.

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