Report: Cubs pushing hard for Kimbrel
The Chicago Cubs are pushing hard to sign free-agent closer Craig Kimbrel, sources told Ken Rosenthal of The Athletic.
In addition to the Cubs, the Philadelphia Phillies and Minnesota Twins are reportedly pursuing the seven-time All-Star, who no longer has draft-pick compensation attached to him. The Atlanta Braves, who were also believed to be chasing Kimbrel, are not among the finalists to sign him, a source told Jon Morosi of MLB.com.
Adding Kimbrel to the bullpen would be a massive upgrade for a Cubs team that's lacked a steady late-game presence in 2019. Incumbent closer Brandon Morrow hasn't thrown a pitch yet this season due to an elbow issue. In his absence, Chicago has predominantly used right-handers Steve Cishek and Pedro Strop, with each recording five saves.
With Ben Zobrist on the restricted list as a result of ongoing divorce proceedings, Chicago could end up having more than $9 million in available payroll. The team has acknowledged that the utility man's return this season is not certain.
Kimbrel posted a 2.74 ERA with 42 saves for the Boston Red Sox in 2018. He has 333 career saves with an eye-popping 14.7 K/9 rate.
Chicago (33-26) entered Wednesday's action in a tie with the Milwaukee Brewers for first place in the NL central.