The latest Kimbrel free-agent rumors
Craig Kimbrel has compiled an impressive resume during his nine seasons in the big leagues, recording a microscopic 1.91 ERA with a 0.92 WHIP, 333 saves and a 14.7 K/9 rate, and he should be a coveted asset on the free-agent market this offseason.
Below you will find a list of the latest news and rumors surrounding the right-hander.
Red Sox's stance on Kimbrel remains the same
Feb. 18: The Red Sox have maintained a consistent stance on Craig Kimbrel over the past few months, with president of baseball operations Dave Dombrowski saying multiple times that he doesn't expect the team to make a "large expenditure" on a closer.
Still, the longer the righty has remained on the market, the more it has seemed like he would ultimately end up back in Boston, perhaps on a one-year deal before trying again in free agency next offseason.
But Dombrowski didn't waver as Spring Training began last week, throwing even more cold water on the possibility of a Kimbrel-Sox reunion by indicating that even a short-term deal for an expensive closer was not in the plans.
It was more of the same from Tom Werner on Monday, as the team chairman said "it's extremely unlikely" Boston will re-sign Kimbrel.
ESPN's Jeff Passan recently broke down why signing Kimbrel for $17 million annually would actually require the Red Sox to pay close to $28 million for his services in 2019 due to the Competitive Balance Tax, which explains why the team is content to go with an internal option at closer.
Matt Barnes and Ryan Brasier are considered the two favorites to open this season as the Red Sox's ninth-inning man, with Tyler Thornburg as a dark horse.
Signing Kimbrel could help Astros rival Yanks for bullpen supremacy
Feb. 17: Which team has the best bullpen in baseball?
Most would answer that it's the Yankees, especially after they brought back lefty Zack Britton and brought in righty Adam Ottavino to a group that also includes elite setup relievers Dellin Betances and Chad Green plus closer Aroldis Chapman. In fact, New York's bullpen is projected for the most WAR of all teams in 2019, ahead of the Brewers and Mets.
But what about the Astros, who check in fourth on that list? Sure, they added two key arms at the Trade Deadline last summer in Roberto Osuna and Ryan Pressly. But is there a chance they could make a play for the one remaining high-end reliever on the open market -- Craig Kimbrel -- to complete a super bullpen to rival that of the Yankees?
"He could elevate virtually every team, including the Red Sox, Cubs, Braves and Cardinals," MLB.com's Richard Justice writes of Kimbrel. "The Astros had baseball's best bullpen and were strengthened during the season with the additions of Roberto Osuna and Ryan Pressly at the Trade Deadline. Signing Kimbrel would allow the Astros to keep pace with the Yankees' super bullpen and also shore up a potential area of weakness with Collin McHugh headed back to the rotation and veteran Joe Smith out for the season."
How would a Harper or Machado signing impact Kimbrel?
Feb. 16: Craig Kimbrel entered the offseason as the best closer on the market, but while most other back-of-the-bullpen relievers have come off the board, the All-Star right-hander remains unsigned. That may be due, in part, to the type of contract he's been rumored to be asking for: a six-year deal, which would be unprecedented for a relief pitcher. But Kimbrel isn't the only big-name free agent still out there, of course. So what could happen with Kimbrel if Bryce Harper or Manny Machado signs before he does?
MLB.com's Mark Feinsand goes through multiple scenarios in which one of the two superstars secure a contract, and what impact it would have on other top free agents. In the case of Kimbrel, Feinsand writes that the closer likely would end up reuniting with either the Red Sox or Braves in the event Harper or Machado signs with the Phillies. He adds that if Harper signs with the Nationals or Giants, the Phillies may become a more likely destination for Kimbrel. Philadelphia's level of interest, of course, would also depend on its continued pursuit of Machado in that case.
What if Machado signs with the White Sox and Harper is still out there? Feinsand surmises Philly could then become a more likely landing spot for Kimbrel, but that would also depend on how serious the club is about inking Harper. If the Phillies aren't able to sign either superstar, "it could spark a chain reaction that could land Dallas Keuchel or Kimbrel -- or both -- in Philly." More >