The New York Mets have interest in signing free agent closer Craig Kimbrel. He would have to be a setup man instead of a closer though
After seeing some of their depth, or lack their of, flail against the St. Louis Cardinals over the weekend, the New York Mets could probably use another starter, just in case. Even though Jacob deGrom‘s elbow is okay and should come off the IL this weekend, Jason Vargas is still in the rotation and pitchers like Chris Flexen leave something to be desired at this point.
Seth Lugo has been a starter in the past for the New York Mets, with some success, however, Lugo is now a key member of the bullpen. So how could they mitigate that loss? How about signing Craig Kimbrel, who’s still unsigned as we approach one month into the season. Well, the Mets would have some interest in him, just not supplanting Edwin Diaz as the closer.
Couple of notes from videos: #Mets insured deGrom’s $137.5M extension, just as they do with all their big contracts. NYM, MIL among teams still in touch with Kimbrel, But Mets, with Diaz, would sign Kimbrel only if he was willing to pitch in any role, not just in ninth inning.
— Ken Rosenthal (@Ken_Rosenthal) April 20, 2019
If Kimbrel hasn’t taken any of the offers, that would have potentially let to him closing, I can’t see him taking an offer right now that would see him setting up. Kimbrel has been a highly effective closer, and still believes that he is.
I can’t see him, or Dallas Keuchel for that matter, taking a deal that will pay less than the qualifying offer and give them the role that they desire. At this point, I don’t see either signing until after the draft, when a team signing either of them wouldn’t lose a draft pick.
Either Kimbrel or Keuchel would make a ton of sense for the New York Mets, If Kimbrel is willing to setup this year, it would be a huge boost to a bridge to Diaz that’s been about as sturdy as the old Tappan Zee Bridge was. However, I just don’t see it happening, at least right now.