Report: Rangers, Kimbrel agree to minor-league deal

The Texas Rangers are signing veteran reliever Craig Kimbrel to a minor-league contract, a source told The Athletic's Ken Rosenthal.

Kimbrel elected free agency after the Atlanta Braves designated him for assignment following one appearance.

The 37-year-old pitched a scoreless inning with one strikeout, one hit, and one walk in his 2025 debut against the San Francisco Giants. Kimbrel signed a minor-league contract for a second stint with the Braves in March.

Texas has struggled to find a viable option in the ninth inning, blowing 10 of 28 save opportunities this season. The team's relievers rank 26th in the league with 203 strikeouts.

Left-hander Robert Garcia has seen save opportunities of late after Luke Jackson struggled in the closer's role. Garcia owns a 3.12 ERA with 25 strikeouts and four saves across 26 innings.