Jaylon Thompson | Kansas City Star

Kansas City Royals reliever Craig Kimbrel donned a fresh cap and new threads Monday afternoon at Uniqlo Field at Dodger Stadium. As he got settled inside the Royals clubhouse, Kimbrel was ready to embark on the latest path of his baseball journey.

“I threw a bullpen today,” Kimbrel said. “So that usually means my name is going to be called. It’s usually how it works out.”

Kimbrel, 38, made his Major League Baseball debut in 2010. He has pitched for 11 different organizations, including the Atlanta Braves, Boston Red Sox and Los Angeles Dodgers.

The Royals are his 12th team after officially signing Kimbrel on Monday. And Kimbrel will join a clubhouse with players — such as Jac Caglianone and Carter Jensen — that were 7 years old when he made his MLB debut.

However, it’s Kimbrel’s experience that could benefit the Royals. He brings another trusted voice in the clubhouse down the stretch. “I might be wearing a different uniform and representing a different city, but when we show up to the clubhouse, the goal is the same,” Kimbrel said. “We try to win that ballgame.”

Kimbrel noted it will take a while to learn about his new teammates. He spent the last few days at home in Tennessee with his family.

But when the opportunity arose, he jumped at the chance to pitch for the Royals.

“I did a little bit of fishing and making marshmallows and things like that,” Kimbrel said. “Got the phone call that they were interested and wanted to know if I was. And I’m definitely interested and I’m here. Ready to do some pitching.”

The Royals will use Kimbrel in various bullpen roles. He owns a possible Hall of Fame résumé that includes nine All-Star appearances, a World Series title and a Rookie of the Year Award.

Kimbrel has produced a career 2.67 ERA and collected 440 saves in 17 major-league seasons. “How lucky are we that we get to have him on the team with everything that he has done in the game,” Royals pitching coach Brian Sweeney said. “You know, from the World Series to the playoffs to Rookie of the Year. I mean, he’s done it all. And you can just tell by talking to him, you know, he has a winning mentality and a team-first mentality. I really look forward to getting to know him.”

Kimbrel pitched for the New York Mets and Tampa Bay Rays this season. He posted a 4.81 ERA in 33 ⅔ innings with both clubs.

Kimbrel will now team up with future Hall of Famer Salvador Perez and top superstar Bobby Witt Jr. going forward. He is excited to play alongside them and create memories with the Royals organization.

“Just from the other side, really admiring what they have done,” Kimbrel said. “I mean, what Salvy has done in his career and getting to see him — getting to put on the same uniform as him, suited up and trying to win some ballgames — that should be fun.”

Kimbrel will take aim at the Dodgers starting Monday night. He last pitched with the Dodgers in 2022 and posted a 3.75 ERA in 63 games. Now, he will try to help the Royals down the stretch.

“I still enjoy competing,” Kimbrel said. “I feel like I can go out there and still compete with the best of them. And I enjoy this opportunity to do so. Hopefully, I can go out there and do that.”