Craig Kimbrel
Now that the Chicago Cubs have announced that they are open to trade, they have become the team to watch as July comes to an end. With several stars now set to be placed on the trade block, the Cubs could control the deadline.
This also, potentially, puts the biggest prize of the trade deadline in their hands. Craig Kimbrel, who had been a disaster in 2019 and 2020, has once again become one of the best closers in the game, making this the perfect time for the Cubs to look for a deal. With plenty of teams looking for bullpen help, Kimbrel will have a robust trade market.
It certainly helps that he appears to be back to form. Kimbrel has been dominant this season, posting a 0.57 ERA and a 0.663 WHiP in his 31.2 innings, striking out 54 batters with ten walks. As he has a team option for 2022, he would be more than just a rental, making him an even more attractive option.
That would certainly be the case for the Toronto Blue Jays. Kimbrel would provide a true stopper for the ninth inning, a dominant force that would make the bullpen much better through his presence. Adding a potential future Hall of Famer would certainly send a message to the rest of the team that the time to contend is now.
The Toronto Blue Jays need a closer. They may as well shoot for the stars and see what it would cost to get Craig Kimbrel.