Kimbrel, a potential future Hall of Famer, began his career in Atlanta in 2010. From 2011, when he won National League Rookie of the Year, to 2014, Kimbrel made four All-Star Games, finished top-10 in Cy Young Award voting all four times, including two times in the top five, and garnered a top-10 Most Valuable Player finish.

Craig Kimbrel had a decision to make. After the Atlanta Braves designated him for assignment, he could've accepted the outcome and reported to Triple-A. Kimbrel picked the other choice, electing free agency. The Braves announced the news on Monday after Kimbrel cleared waivers.

One day after bringing back Craig Kimbrel, perhaps the greatest closer in franchise history, the struggling Atlanta Braves have designated the veteran reliever for assignment. The club recalled left-hander Austin Cox in a corresponding move.