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White Sox land Kimbrel from Cubs

Norm Hall / Getty Images Sport / Getty

Craig Kimbrel is off to the South Side.

The Chicago White Sox acquired the eight-time All-Star closer from the Chicago Cubs, the team announced Friday.

In return, the Cubs receive second baseman Nick Madrigal and reliever Codi Heuer.

Kimbrel adds even more firepower to a loaded White Sox bullpen that already boasts another All-Star closer in Liam Hendriks and flame-throwing youngster Michael Kopech.

It's the second trade in as many days between the civic rivals after the White Sox acquired reliever Ryan Tepera from the Cubs on Thursday.

Kimbrel's enjoying a fantastic comeback season that might go down as the best of his 12-year career. He owns a 0.49 ERA, 1.08 FIP, and 0.71 WHIP with 64 strikeouts, 13 walks, and 23 saves across 39 appearances this year. He's allowed just one homer in 36 2/3 innings.

The 33-year-old comes with a $16-million club option in 2022 that can be bought out for $1 million.

Madrigal, 24, is out for the season after suffering a torn hamstring. A contact-hitting specialist and smooth defender at second base, he owns a lifetime .764 OPS with 96 hits and two homers since debuting in 2020. He's struck out just 24 times in 324 big-league plate appearances.

Heuer, 25, posted a 5.12 ERA, 3.67 FIP, and 1.42 WHIP with 39 strikeouts and 10 walks in 40 relief appearances for the White Sox this year.

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