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Atlanta Braves: Craig Kimbrel does not make sense

By David Hill

LOS ANGELES, CA - OCTOBER 27: Craig Kimbrel #46 of the Boston Red Sox delivers during the ninth inning of game four of the 2018 World Series against the Los Angeles Dodgers on October 27, 2018 at Dodger Stadium in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Billie Weiss/Boston Red Sox/Getty Images)
LOS ANGELES, CA - OCTOBER 27: Craig Kimbrel #46 of the Boston Red Sox delivers during the ninth inning of game four of the 2018 World Series against the Los Angeles Dodgers on October 27, 2018 at Dodger Stadium in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Billie Weiss/Boston Red Sox/Getty Images) /
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The Atlanta Braves could use a closer, and former Brave Craig Kimbrel is a free agent. Yet, this possible match does not work.

In theory, it would be the perfect scenario. The Atlanta Braves need a closer, especially given the injury concerns for Arodys Vizcaino. Meanwhile, former Brave Craig Kimbrel is a free agent, and the top closer on the market. A reunion, at least on paper, would make sense.

Kimbrel certainly has the resume that the Braves would covet. A seven time All Star and the 2011 NL Rookie of the Year, he has established himself as one of the Proven Closers that a team would love. He led the league in saves four times, and has saved at least 30 games in each of his eight full seasons.

With that resume, Kimbrel is going to be one of the more sought after relievers in free agency. He is expected to receive $70 million in free agency, which, if the predictions are correct, would be a new record for annual value. That price, understandably, is beyond the Braves comfort level.

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Given that expected price tag, and the Braves need to overhaul their bullpen, Kimbrel just does not make sense. Not only do the Braves potentially need a closer, but they are in the market for other relief options and possibly a right fielder and a catcher. Vizcaino, A.J. Minter, and Jesse Biddle are not enough, even with a new closer.

Based on his performance history, Kimbrel is worth the price tag. That continued last season, as he produced a solid 2.74 ERA and a 0.995 WHiP, striking out 96 batters in 62.1 innings while notching 42 saves.

Yet, even with that strong performance, there were concerns. Kimbrel walked 31 batters, leading to a 4.5 BB/9 rate, the second worst of his career. He also allowed a .565 OPS, again the second worst mark of his career. Add in his postseason struggles, as he allowed seven runs in 10.2 innings, and there are cracks starting to appear in Kimbrel’s armor.

Meanwhile, there are other options available as the Braves seek out a closer. Jeurys Familia has been a solid closer over his career, and would cost much less than Kimbrel. David Robertson has been serving as a setup man since rejoining the Yankees, but he does have 137 career saves. Zach Britton, considered a potential trade target for the Braves last year, appears to be healthy once again. There are options available.

Next. Braves interested in Brantley and Ramos. dark

The idea of Craig Kimbrel returning to the Atlanta Braves would be a great story. However, given his expected price tag and other needs on the roster, that reunion does not make much sense.

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