Craig Kimbrel may be the best closer available in free agency, but he could end up being the Philadelphia Phillies consolation prize if Manny Machado and Bryce Harper sign elsewhere.
As free agency continues onward, and the start of Spring Training comes ever closer, all eyes in the baseball universe are upon two players. Bryce Harper and Manny Machado have dominated headlines, with plenty of speculation surrounding where they will end up. In many ways, the league seems to be waiting for those two to sign, opening a floodgate of free agent signings afterward.
Of all the players on the free agent market that are being held up by Harper and Machado may be somewhat of a surprise. However, at least one team that is interested in those two players, the Philadelphia Phillies, could be a potential landing spot for Craig Kimbrel. The Phillies have improved their bullpen by adding David Robertson, but they could also use more bullpen help. Kimbrel would certainly fit.
Arguably one of the great closers in the history of the game, Kimbrel had another solid season in 2018. He posted a 2.74 ERA and a 0.995 WHiP, notching 42 saves. Over his 62.1 innings, Kimbrel struck out 96 batters. He did issue a fairly high 31 walks, as he struggled with his command at times last year.
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Yet, even with those problems, Kimbrel is easily the best reliever on the market. He has even backed off from his demands of receiving a $100 million contract, dropping his price tag a bit. Of course, even his reportedly desired salary, even with the discount, may be more than a team would be willing to spend for a closer.
However, for a team desperate to make a splash, Kimbrel may well be the consolation prize. Especially, if that team is looking to spend “stupidly” during the offseason to put a winner on the field. But if Harper and Machado sign elsewhere, a team like the Phillies would need to do something. Otherwise, their announced plans to spend stupidly would ring hollow.
Kimbrel could certainly help the Phillies in their quest to return to the playoffs. Adding his presence to a bullpen that would already have Seranthony Dominguez and Robertson would give Philadelphia quite the formidable trio at the end of the game. Added to the likes of Juan Nicasio, Pat Neshek, and Tommy Hunter, the Phillies bullpen could end up being the best in the game. Not bad for a consolation prize.
The Philadelphia Phillies have their sights set on Manny Machado and Bryce Harper. However, if they are unable to sign those two, Craig Kimbrel would be a very impressive consolation prize.