Red Sox Rumors: Phillies among suitors for free agent closer Craig Kimbrel

Boston Red Sox closer Craig Kimbrel will have plenty of suitors in free agency, with the latest reports indicating the Philadelphia Phillies are interested.

One of the more pressing issues facing the Boston Red Sox this offseason will be whether or not they can re-sign Craig Kimbrel. While the club certainly has interest in retaining the fire-breathing closer, they will have some competition on the free agent market.

MLB Network’s Jon Morosi reports that the Philadelphia Phillies are the latest suitor to show interest in Kimbrel.

The Phillies have a promising young core looking to make the leap to playoff contention in 2019. Their latest rebuilding effort appears ahead of schedule after they finished third in the NL East this year and a free agent splash or two could push them to the next level.

Upgrading the bullpen should be an area of emphasis for a team looking to contend. Philadelphia ranked 11th in the National League with a 4.19 ERA from their relievers. The closer role was unsettled throughout the season as the Phillies cycled through a bullpen committee in the ninth inning.

Five different relievers recorded at least three saves for the Phillies this year. Hector Neris started the year in the closer seat but lost his grip on the role after blowing three of his first 11 opportunities. He finished the year with 11 saves and a bloated 5.11 ERA. Seranthony Dominguez led the team with 16 saves in 20 opportunities while posting a solid 2.95 ERA and 11.48 K/9. The rookie would appear to be the favorite to close in 2019 if the Phillies don’t bring in another option but their interest in Kimbrel suggests they are hesitant to hand the role over to the 23-year old full-time.

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Morosi also notes the Atlanta Braves and St. Louis Cardinals as possible suitors for Kimbrel.

The 30-year old spent the first five seasons of his career in Atlanta where he established himself as one of the elite relievers in the game with All-Star appearances and Cy Young votes in his last four seasons with the team. The Braves traded Kimbrel to the San Diego Padres following a disappointing 2014 season that saw them go 79-84 but now that they are the reigning division champs it makes more sense to employ a top-tier closer.

St. Louis finished a mere 2.5 games out of a Wild Card spot this year and have a clear weakness in a bullpen that ranked 12th in the NL with a collective 4.38 ERA. Greg Holland and Luke Gregerson never panned out as the offseason acquisitions they expected to upgrade their bullpen, forcing the Cardinals to rely primarily on journeyman Bud Norris as their closer.

The World Series champion Red Sox don’t have many holes but losing Kimbrel in free agency could create one. Matt Barnes and Ryan Brasier are candidates to step into the closer seat but neither has the upside of Kimbrel. Boston could also look for cheaper alternatives to Kimbrel on the free agent or trade market.

Interest from several other teams could drive up the price to the point where the Red Sox aren’t comfortable matching. They already have MLB’s highest payroll and have other priorities to address this year and in the near future. Relievers are notoriously volatile and investing a lucrative long-term deal in one on the wrong side of 30 is a risky proposition. Then again, contending for another title without the safety net of a proven closer comes with some risk as well.