Report: Cubs showing interest in Kimbrel
The Chicago Cubs are interested in free-agent closer Craig Kimbrel, sources told Ken Rosenthal of The Athletic.
The Cubs, a team that didn't make any large financial commitments throughout the offseason, could be open to a midseason investment partially due to the absence of Ben Zobrist.
Zobrist, who's in the final year of his $56 million contract, was recently placed on the restricted list and is spending time away from the club while attending to divorce proceedings.
Team manager Joe Maddon told reporters he has to prepare for the possibility of Zobrist not returning this season. Zobrist being away could free up more than $9 million in payroll.
Before the 2019 season, Kimbrel was reportedly seeking a record-breaking six-year deal. Since the campaign began, the 31-year-old closer has lowered his asking price, but he's still not open to taking a one-year deal. As recently as mid-April, the seven-time All-Star was seeking a three-year pact in the $39-52 million range, according to Rosenthal's sources.
Kimbrel is tied to draft-pick compensation after being tendered and rejecting a one-year, $17.9 million qualifying offer from the Boston Red Sox last fall. However, that compensation expires on Monday, June 3, the day of the 2019 MLB Draft.
The Cubs' bullpen has been disastrous this season (3.93 ERA). Expected closer Brandon Morrow has yet to pitch this year due to an elbow injury. In his stead, four pitchers - Steve Cishek, Pedro Strop, Allen Webster, and Tyler Chatwood - have recorded saves for the team, all with varying degrees of effectiveness. Strop, Webster, Carl Edwards Jr., Mike Montgomery, and Kyle Ryan have thrown 10-plus innings with an ERA above 4.00.
The Minnesota Twins and Philadelphia Phillies have also recently shown interest in Kimbrel.