Report: Kimbrel 'closer' to picking team
Free agent Craig Kimbrel is moving "closer" to deciding which team he will sign with, but there is no clear favorite, a source told Jon Morosi of MLB.com.
The Milwaukee Brewers are one of the teams that recently talked with the closer's agent, David Meter. However, the club's need for the right-hander depends on the performance and health of Brewers closer Jeremy Jeffress (shoulder), according to Morosi. Milwaukee also lost reliever Corey Knebel to Tommy John surgery in March.
Kimbrel's price has reportedly gone down. The seven-time All-Star is apparently looking for a deal within the range of what relievers Wade Davis (three-year, $52-million contract from the Colorado Rockies) and Zack Britton (three-year, $39-million pact with the New York Yankees) signed in the last few years.
Milwaukee has also been in touch with Dallas Keuchel's agent, Scott Boras, Morosi reports. The club could improve its ailing bullpen by adding the veteran left-hander to the rotation and shifting one of its young starters - Brandon Woodruff, Freddy Peralta, or Corbin Burnes - into a relief role.
Kimbrel and Keuchel are both tied to draft-pick compensation after declining qualifying offers from the Boston Red Sox and Houston Astros, respectively. However, the Brewers would only need to give up their fourth-highest pick in the 2019 MLB Draft because they gave up their third-highest selection to sign catcher Yasmani Grandal.
The Atlanta Braves are reportedly monitoring the Keuchel and Kimbrel markets as well, but are concerned about losing a draft pick and the asking price for the two free agents.
The New York Mets have also kept in touch with both pitchers, reports Andy Martino of SNY.
Kimbrel posted a 2.74 ERA in 2018 with 42 saves while Keuchel pitched 204 2/3 innings with a 3.69 FIP.