Craig Kimbrel Signs Dotted Line, Frank Wren Speaks On Paperwork

Oct 4, 2013; Atlanta, GA, USA; Atlanta Braves relief pitcher Craig Kimbrel (46) reacts after walking Los Angeles Dodgers center fielder Andre Ethier (not pictured) in the ninth inning of game two of the National League divisional series playoff baseball game at Turner Field. The Braves won 4-3. Mandatory Credit: Daniel Shirey-USA TODAY Sports

News broke early Sunday morning from Sunny Orlando, Florida that Atlanta Braves closer Craig Kimbrel has officially signed a four year $42M contract, plus a $13M fifth-year option.

“It’s exciting to know I’m going to be the same teammates with the same organization in a place I love” Kimbrel said.

He will also have a $3.5M in incentives that could make if $57.5M if he achieves a couple of accomplishments and incentives are reached – via All-Star, Cy Young, etc.

Craig joins a group of young talented Braves players who have signed the paperwork in the past month or so.  Freddie Freeman, Jason Heyward, Julio Teheran and now OUR closer.

“I want to be closing out division titles and (league) championships and World Series.  And we have the team to do it” Kimbrel said.

This new Frank Wren checkbook has come to quite the surprise for Braves fans but it’s definitely putting excitement in the air.

Since the news broke on Craig, twitter took storm to “who’s next” for the Braves to sign – could it be Andrelton Simmons?  Mike Minor? Kris Medlen?  We’ll have to wait and see but for now, locking up Kimbrel makes my heart race in anticipation for the season.

Take a listen to what Braves GM Frank Wren said about the Kimbrel signing….