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Craig Kimbrel 2023 Player Outlook: Not As Much Save Upside In Philadelphia
Philadelphia Phillies relief pitcher Craig Kimbrel might not have as much save upside as he's had in years past. Joining the Phillies after spending the 2022 season in Los Angeles with the Dodgers, the veteran pitched to a 3.75 ERA, a 3.23 FIP, 72 strikeouts, 28 walks, 22 saves and a pair of holds in 60 innings for the National League West club. It was an up-and-down season on the mound for the veteran, who finished in the 74th percentile or better in K%, xBA, and whiff rate, but also finished in the 19th percentile or lower in barrel rate, hard-hit rate, walk rate, and chase rate. Kimbrel served as the Dodgers' primary closer at times, but he might not have as many ninth-inning chances this coming season. Philadelphia's bullpen is overflowing with ninth-inning options. There are incumbents Seranthony Dominguez and Jose Alvarado along with fellow offseason additions Gregory Soto and Matt Strahm. The number of late-inning options shouldn't hurt Kimbrel's value in saves+holds leagues too much, but it does significantly impact his 2023 fantasy ceiling if he's unable to close games on a regular basis.
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