The latest heat check on free-agent closer Craig Kimbrel shows a massive cold front moving through.
Kimbrel has endured a tough offseason in which he’s been unable to find the long-term contract he’s seeking since the Boston Red Sox decided to move on from him. And it appears that two of the teams that reportedly once showed interest in the closer no longer are “in” on the flame-throwing righty, according to The Athletic’s Jim Bowden.
#Nats and #Braves are not “in” on Kimbrel according multiple sources.
— Jim Bowden⚾️ (@JimBowdenGM) March 9, 2019
Major League Baseball’s active leader in career saves with 333, Kimbrel seems to have plenty left in the tank despite a shaky showing in the Red Sox’s postseason run in 2018. The 30-year-old is on pace to be baseball’s most effective closer of all-time, statistically speaking.
But just as the Red Sox have expressed confidence in their in-house options, teams are tepid to spend big money on relievers in their 30s, instead going with younger, cheaper options in the pen.
Time is running out for Kimbrel, who was spotted last week hanging out by Atlanta Braves camp, to find a spot before the beginning of the season, especially if he is unwilling to sign a short-term deal.
