Werner: Kimbrel 'extremely unlikely' to rejoin Sox

Former Boston All-Star still free agent; team doesn't plan to spend big on closing arm

February 18th, 2019

FORT MYERS, Fla. -- The Red Sox still haven't named a closer. still hasn't found a home on the free-agent market.
However, Red Sox chairman Tom Werner suggests not to read too much into those two independent factors.
Chances that the club will re-sign their All-Star closer of the past three seasons?
"I think it's extremely unlikely," Werner said.
Though Kimbrel went into the winter as arguably the most accomplished closer on the market, it has yet to add up to him finding a job.

Other quality relievers such as , , , and Zack Britton have signed.
When the offseason started, reports surfaced that Kimbrel was seeking a deal of five or six years and more than $100 million.
Given that he has not yet landed a deal, there's been speculation that perhaps a short-term reunion with the Red Sox could happen.
But Red Sox president of baseball operations Dave Dombrowski has steadfastly maintained the team doesn't plan on making a big expenditure at closer.
Boston should have an internal competition for the closer's spot this spring which will include , , and perhaps a few others.