Cubs agree to 3-year deal with Craig Kimbrel
The first-place Chicago Cubs have made an enormous splash.
The Cubs agreed to a three-year deal with seven-time All-Star closer Craig Kimbrel, the club announced Friday. Kimbrel's contract is believed to be worth $43 million, according to MLB Network's Jon Heyman.
The agreement includes a fourth-year club/vesting option for 2022.
Kimbrel will receive $10 million - none of which is prorated - this season, and $16 million in 2020 and 2021. If the 2022 option does not vest, the Cubs hold a club option with a $1-million buyout.
Adding Kimbrel should help fortify a Cubs bullpen that's been without Brandon Morrow for the entire season, but has still recorded the third-lowest bullpen ERA (4.02) in the National League.
Cubs bullpen
| PITCHER | IP | ERA | FIP | SO |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Pedro Strop | 11.2 | 4.63 | 3.67 | 11 |
| Steve Cishek | 25 | 2.88 | 3.51 | 25 |
| Carl Edwards Jr. | 13 | 6.23 | 5.38 | 14 |
| Brandon Kintzler | 26.1 | 2.73 | 4.21 | 24 |
| Brad Brach | 24.1 | 3.70 | 4.14 | 26 |
| Mike Montgomery | 14.1 | 5.02 | 4.62 | 10 |
| Tyler Chatwood | 31.1 | 3.45 | 4.94 | 25 |
| Kyle Ryan | 19.2 | 5.03 | 3.96 | 22 |
With the 2019 MLB draft over, Chicago won't need to give up draft-pick compensation to acquire the 31-year-old.
Before Friday's signing, a number of teams were pursuing Kimbrel, including the Atlanta Braves, Philadelphia Phillies, Minnesota Twins, New York Mets, and Los Angeles Dodgers.
Once he returns, Kimbrel's 333 career saves will be the most among active players.
Kimbrel spent 2018 with the World Series-winning Boston Red Sox.
During his nine years in the majors, Kimbrel has recorded 868 strikeouts over 542 appearances, along with a 1.91 ERA and 1.96 FIP.