While most people will declare Mariano Rivera the greatest closer of all time, at this point in his career, Boston Red Sox closer Craig Kimbrel might have something to say about that.
On December 12, 2018, Jayson Stark of The Athletic reported that, “one of the greatest closers of all time,” Craig Kimbrel, was looking for a 9-figure deal this offseason. Since then, the star closer has drawn little interest in the free agent market, with the Boston Red Sox playing the waiting game and the only serious contender being the Philadelphia Phillies.
I've heard execs from 2 teams say this week that Craig Kimbrel is looking for a deal north of $100 million for 6 years.
— Jayson Stark (@jaysonst) December 13, 2018
He's one of the greatest closers of all time. But is there a record deal out there for him? Hard to say in a bullpen market that has barely moved.
Last season, Kimbrel struggled locating his curveball, and as a result had the worst season of his career. Because of this, Kimbrel allowed more HR and BB more batters than ever before.
Despite this, Kimbrel still ranked as a top tier closer in MLB, making a seventh All-Star appearance and featuring a WHIP below 1.000 for the fifth time in seven years.
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Kimbrel isn’t just a top tier closer either, at this point in his career, he’s one of the, if not the greatest closer of all time… at least statistically he is.
Among relief pitchers with a min. 500 IP, in the history of MLB, Craig Kimbrel ranks FIRST in the following stats:
- ERA – 1.91
- FIP – 1.96
- K/9 – 14.7
Through NINE full seasons, Kimbrel has more SAVES (333) than Trevor Hoffman (314), Mariano Rivera (283). What’s more, Kimbrel (30) is three years younger than both Rivera and Mariano were (33) after nine MLB seasons.
In the past, dominant closers like Craig Kimbrel were rewarded for their accomplishments. For example, in 2007 Mariano Rivera was awarded a three-year $45M contract, making him the highest paid closer at the time.
Kenley Jansen and Aroldis Chapman were also both awarded for their accomplishments on the mound. After helping the Chicago Cubs win the World Series in 2016, Aroldis Chapman was awarded a 5-year $86M contract with the Yankees. That same season, the best closer in the NL, Kanley Jansen, recieved a 5-year $80M contract from the Dodgers.
Kimbrel, who is undoubtedly one of the greatest closers to ever play the game, perhaps shouldn’t get 9-figures, but he should at the very least exceed Chapman’s deal.
The question now is:
Will the Phillies jump on the star closer or will the Boston Red Sox save their bullpen once and for all?