Braves Extend Craig Kimbrel

Craig Kimbrel

The Atlanta Braves continue to extend their young stars, agreeing to a four-year $42 million extension with All-Star closer Craig Kimbrel on Sunday. According to sources, the deal also includes a $13 million option for 2018 with a $1 million buyout.

Kimbrel, 25, is considered to be one of the best young closers in the game and has been dominant since entering the league in 2010. In 2011, Kimbrel was overpowering for the Braves, throwing 127 strikeouts in just 77 innings, which included a stretch of 38 scoreless appearances. By seasons end, Kimbrel wound up tying closer John Axford for most saves in the National League and ran away with the National League Rookie of the Year honors with all 35 first-place votes.

However, perhaps his best season came in 2013 when he posted an impressive 1.21 ERA with 50 saves in 68 relief appearances for the NL East Champion Braves.

Kimbrel's singing is the fourth major extension handed out by the Braves this offseason with Freddie Freeman, Jason Heyward and Julio Teheran agreeing earlier this month.