Boston Red Sox need Craig Kimbrel more than ever
By David Hill
The Boston Red Sox have a major hole in the bullpen, but the answer is still waiting in free agency.
It has been a difficult, and somewhat quiet, offseason for the Boston Red Sox. While they were able to retain World Series heroes Steve Pearce and Nathan Eovaldi, their already questionable bullpen has weakened. Joe Kelly signed with the Dodgers, and their closer situation is a question mark, with either Matt Barnes or Ryan Brasier currently penciled into the role.
Meanwhile, the Red Sox have seen two rivals in the AL East get stronger. The Tampa Bay Rays, who surprised the baseball universe in 2018, improved their rotation and offense. The New York Yankees, who already had a solid bullpen, made it even better by retaining Zach Britton and bringing in Adam Ottavino. As it stands, the defending World Champions could be in danger of missing the postseason due to their bullpen.
Yet, there is still time to fix that problem. Craig Kimbrel, the Red Sox closer for the past three seasons, is still languishing in free agency. His initial contract request of five or six years at between $80 to $100 million has not led to any takers, leaving one of the better closers in baseball without a home as Spring Training approaches.
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In some ways, this is a situation reminiscent of the Red Sox pursuit of J.D. Martinez next year. Their interest in the outfielder/designated hitter was well known, and there were not many other serious suitors for his services. Yet, it took until February 26 for the two sides to come to an agreement, with Martinez signing a five year deal worth $109.95 million.
It may be possible that the Kimbrel situation resolves itself in much the same way. While the Phillies have been mentioned as a possible destination for the All Star closer, the expectation seems to be that Kimbrel will eventually find his way back to Boston, providing stability to the ninth inning as the Red Sox seek a repeat.
At this point in the offseason, it is obvious that the Red Sox and Kimbrel need one another. While he may not get the contract he had hoped for, he would still end up with a substantial payday, one that could rival the annual money received by Wade Davis. Meanwhile, the Red Sox would fortify their bullpen, moving their other relievers back a spot in the pecking order. Although they may not be able to match the sheer depth of the Yankees bullpen, Kimbrel would make the Red Sox own relief corps quite a bit better.
The Boston Red Sox and Craig Kimbrel need one another. It is time to make this happen.