Report: Kimbrel was still seeking $100M deal in March

Free-agent closer Craig Kimbrel doesn't appear to be giving up on landing a lucrative long-term deal despite the new MLB season being well underway.

The 30-year-old was seeking a five-year contract in the $100-million range all offseason and those demands have not appeared to change, as Jim Bowden of The Athletic reports Kimbrel was still looking for such a deal as late as March.

Kimbrel didn't attend the World Series ceremony honoring the 2018 Boston Red Sox at Fenway Park earlier this week. The seven-time All-Star played a key role in helping the Red Sox win their ninth title in franchise history but declined a $17.9-million qualifying offer from the team in November.

The Milwaukee Brewers were reportedly engaged in ongoing conversations with Kimbrel's agent in late March. Milwaukee is in need of a high-leverage reliever with Corey Knebel sidelined for 2019 as a result of Tommy John surgery, though closer Jeremy Jeffress is expected to return from a shoulder injury soon.

The Atlanta Braves were also reportedly linked to Kimbrel during the spring but recently got left-hander A.J. Minter back in the bullpen after shoulder troubles delayed the start of his season.

Kimbrell has recorded 333 career saves with a sparkling 1.91 ERA and 14.7 K/9 rate in nine MLB seasons.