Report: Phillies interested in Kimbrel

The Philadelphia Phillies have already been linked to several prominent free agents in the offseason's early goings. Add one more All-Star to the list.

In addition to showing interest in signing a big-name position player, Philadelphia is interested in free-agent closer Craig Kimbrel, according to Jon Morosi of MLB Network.

Kimbrel would undoubtedly provide a boost to a Phillies bullpen that showed promise at times last year but struggled down the stretch. While bright spots included rookie Seranthony Dominguez, (0.93 WHIP - fourth among qualified NL relievers) and 23-year-old Victor Arano (2.73 ERA in 60 games), the 'pen's September letdown was a chief reason why the club fell out of the NL East race and finished with a sub-.500 record.

Kimbrel, a two-time Reliever of the Year and MLB's active saves leader, has spent the last three years with the Boston Red Sox. He saved 42 games this past season while posting a 2.74 ERA, 0.96 WHIP, and 96 strikeouts for the World Series champions.

The 30-year-old is expected to reject Boston's qualifying offer, meaning he'd cost draft-pick compensation to any other team that signs him.

Philadelphia fielded the second-lowest payroll in its division last season, but that's expected to increase significantly this winter. Besides Kimbrel, the Phillies have already been linked to superstars Bryce Harper and Manny Machado, plus the top starting pitcher on the market in Patrick Corbin. Signing any of these players would likely push the club's payroll close to the luxury-tax threshold.

Multiple other teams are expected to be interested in adding Kimbrel this winter. The Red Sox would like to bring him back, but only if he'll accept a three-year deal, according to Nick Cafardo of the Boston Globe.