Craig Kimbrel has been one of the game’s most dominant relievers for nearly a decade and this year was no different. While he statistically took a step back from last year and the level he was at during his prime years in Atlanta, the Boston Red Sox closer remains among the elite.
Kimbrel was second in the American League in saves, converting 42 of 47 opportunities. That 89.4% success rate is only a ticket below his career 90.7 save percentage. Few are as reliable as Kimbrel in a save situation.
Yet there were some concerns with Kimbrel’s performance this season.