White Sox exercise Kimbrel's $16M option
The Chicago White Sox have exercised their $16-million club option on reliever Craig Kimbrel for the 2022 season, the club announced Saturday.
Chicago also has closer Liam Hendriks inked to a lucrative multi-year contract.
Kimbrel is a trade candidate. White Sox have 2 star closers and Liam Hendriks is entrenched there. https://t.co/akpeP3OyVD
— Jon Heyman (@JonHeyman) November 6, 2021
The White Sox acquired Kimbrel from the Chicago Cubs at the trade deadline for second baseman Nick Madrigal and reliever Codi Heuer.
Kimbrel, an eight-time All-Star and one of the best closers in MLB history, struggled with the White Sox following the deal. The right-hander posted a 5.09 ERA with a 1.21 WHIP over 24 appearances.
The 33-year-old owns a career 2.18 ERA with 372 saves and 14.7 strikeouts per nine innings over 12 years in the majors with the White Sox, Cubs, Atlanta Braves, Boston Red Sox, and San Diego Padres.
Chicago also declined a $6-million club option on infielder Cesar Hernandez. The 31-year-old hit 21 homers with 62 RBIs and a .694 OPS in 149 games last season between the White Sox and Cleveland.
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