Chicago Cubs: 3 destinations for Craig Kimbrel
The Chicago Cubs have reportedly decided that it is time to raise the white flag on the season. With the team eight games out of first in the NL Central, and two games under .500, there is not much of a light at the end of the tunnel. With several key players set to reach free agency at the end of this season, or following the 2022 campaign, the Cubs window may be set to close.
However, with the white flag being raised, the Cubs now become one of the more intriguing teams of the deadline. With the likes of Kris Bryant, Anthony Rizzo, and Javier Baez potentially on the trade block, their rebuild may not last as long as it would in normal situations.
Three landing spots for Chicago Cubs closer Craig Kimbrel
Although those players are all stars in their own right, they may not have the biggest market of any potential trade chip. Instead, that honor may belong to closer Craig Kimbrel, whose resurgent 2021 campaign has made him the top reliever that could possibly be available. With teams always in search of bullpen depth, and Kimbrel’s stellar performance, he should draw a great deal of attention.
It is certainly understandable when looking at his numbers this season. Kimbrel has notched 20 saves with a 0.57 ERA and a 0.663 WHiP in his 31.2 innings, striking out 54 batters with just ten walks. After two difficult seasons, he is back to his dominant self, with the Cubs potentially able to cash in on a valuable trade chip.
Where will Craig Kimbrel end up? Let’s take a look at three potential landing spots for the Chicago Cubs closer.
Boston Red Sox
The Red Sox had seemingly taken themselves out of the Craig Kimbrel Sweepstakes when they signed current closer Matt Barnes to a two year extension with a team option for 2024. Instead, they may have made their lives easier in that regard.
Although Barnes is a native New Englander and wanted to remain in Boston for the long haul, it is easier to demote a pitcher who is playing well once they have been paid. That would be the case if the Red Sox acquired Kimbrel, who would assume the ninth inning role despite Barnes’ strong season.
Kimbrel does have experience with the high pressure atmosphere in Boston as well. He had spent three years with the Red Sox, making the All Star Game each year. In his 184.1 innings with the Red Sox, he posted a 2.44 ERA and a 0.906 WHiP, striking out 305 batters with 75 walks while notching 108 saves. He can clearly handle the pressure and constant push for success there.
This would also give Boston a potentially devastating bullpen in the postseason. With Kimbrel, Barnes, Adam Ottavino, and Garrett Whitlock in the relief corps, they could turn any playoff game into a four or five inning affair. He could be that missing piece for a championship.
The Boston Red Sox are considered one of the favorites for Craig Kimbrel. It would not be a surprise if they pursued a reunion with their former closer.
San Francisco Giants
Usually, when teams take a tandem approach to the closer position, it means that they do not have a viable option. That has not been the case with the San Francisco Giants.
Thus far, the Giants have utilized the pair of Jake McGee and Tyler Rogers in a co-closer role. Rogers is best served as a setup man, given his groundball ways and less than imposing velocity. McGee does have closing experience, but has never notched 20 saves in a season.
As well that that duo have fared, the bullpen has not exactly been the most trustworthy. Giants relievers have blown 16 saves this season, and adding the Chicago Cubs closer would certainly help on that end. McGee and Rogers could return to setup roles, lengthening a bullpen that has performed well overall, but is lacking that truly dominant arm.
Kimbrel could also help beyond this year. With a team option for 2022, he could provide stability for a pitching staff that may see a great deal of turnover. Four of the Giants starters are free agents after this season, and having the trio of Kimbrel, McGee, and Rogers in place to begin the offseason would make their job a lot easier.
The San Francisco Giants have been one of the biggest surprises in the majors this season. Landing Craig Kimbrel could help them remain atop the NL West.
Oakland A’s
The Oakland A’s have not exactly been a team that has been willing to spend money over the years. That was especially the case this offseason, as they had to trade Khris Davis to open up the cash flow to sign several lower priced veterans.
Trevor Rosenthal was a part of that late flurry of signings. He agreed to a one year deal worth $11 million, with a great deal of deferred money, to make that fit work. However, due to surgery for thoracic outlet syndrome, and then surgery on his hip, he will not pitch for the A’s this season.
Lou Trivino has performed well in his place, and may well be the closer of the future, but the A’s could look for an upgrade in the bullpen. The back of the bullpen has been taxed as their lack of depth has been exposed. Adding Craig Kimbrel to the mix would help the beleaguered bullpen get the rest they need.
Kimbrel could also make a major difference in the A’s quest for the postseason. They are 3.5 games behind the Astros in the AL West and currently hold the second Wild Card berth. Adding a proven weapon in the ninth inning, such as Kimbrel, could be the difference between reaching the playoffs and watching the postseason from the sidelines.
Next. Kimbrel on Hall of Fame path. dark
The Oakland A’s have not been afraid to make a splash at the trade deadline before. Perhaps this year, they will land the Chicago Cubs closer to help with their postseason push.