David Meter, Craig Kimbrel's agent, refuted a report suggesting his client would consider sitting out the 2019 season if his contract demands were not met, according to Ken Rosenthal of The Athletic.
"The report is wholly inaccurate and Craig looks forward to signing a new contract in the near future," Meter said. "Any report pertaining to his not playing this season is utterly false."
Kimbrel, 30, has been reportedly seeking a six-year deal worth in excess of $100 million. While Meter says Kimbrel will not sit out, there is no indication the asking price has changed.
A seven-time All-Star, Kimbrel is Major League Baseball's active saves leader with 333 over his nine-year career. Over his three-year tenure with the Boston Red Sox, he converted 108 saves while posting a 2.44 ERA and 0.91 WHIP with a 14.9 K/9.
Whatever team winds up signing Kimbrel will surrender a compensation pick in this summer's draft after the reliever rejected a $17.9-million qualifying offer at the beginning of the offseason. Meanwhile, a return to Boston is appearing increasingly unlikely.
