Craig Kimbrel could be best closing option for 2019 Red Sox
With the free agency period set to pick up again, after the holidays, there are still plenty of high-profile players available and the Red Sox need to make a move for a closer.
As we enter 2019, there are still many mysteries in terms of free agency, this offseason. Where the Red Sox are concerned, nothing major was ever expected, but at the same time, there were always moves to be made. Bringing back Steve Pearce and Nathan Eovaldi, both of which were pivotal to the 2019 World Series title, remain the key moves, so far. The Sox said goodbye to fan favorite Joe Kelly, Drew Pomeranz, and Ian Kinsler. However, there is still one 2018 Red Sox player whose fate has yet to be decided.
Craig Kimbrel has been one of the league’s elite closers for a number of years now. His nine-year career has seen him be selected to seven All-Star teams. During his three years in Boston, Kimbrel has been nothing short of tremendous whilst clinching vital games for the Red Sox. For most of the free agency period, thus far, Kimbrel’s departure seemed inevitable.
With the star pitcher, reportedly, seeking a six-year deal, the figures would appear substantial and have a dramatic effect on the Red Sox’s ability to bring back key players in the coming years – the likes of Mookie Betts, Chris Sale, and Xander Bogaerts come to mind.
More from Red Sox News
- Bizarre trade deadline comes back to haunt Red Sox after Nathan Eovaldi departure
- Red Sox’ Moneyball-style offseason continues with Corey Kluber contract
- Rich Hill’s Red Sox departure puts him within striking distance of unique MLB record
- Red Sox offseason takes another nasty hit with Nathan Eovaldi departure
- Why Red Sox fans should be rooting for Carlos Correa’s Mets deal to go through
It’s not a question whether Kimbrel deserves the contract or not, it’s a question as to if the contract is feasible for the Sox. We’ve seen other high-percentile closers, such as Kenley Jansen and Aroldis Chapman receive contracts worth $80m and $86m, respectively, both of which were five-year deals.
It’s foreseeable that Kimbrel would possibly receive offers in the nine-figure region for the six years he wants if a suitor does appear for this scenario.
A deal as large as this would make it very difficult for the Sox to retain Kimbrel if they did want to. But, with no bullpen help brought in so far and Kelly lost, relief pitching does remain the only vivid concern for the world champions. With former Red Sox reliever and recent free agent Andrew Miller signing with what looks to be a strong Cardinal side, another potential option is crossed off.
Whether the Red Sox were ever looking at Miller and Kimbrel as realistic options remains a mystery, but what’s evident is that the Sox need relief help. Adam Ottavino, David Robertson and Zach Britton are all viable options for a relief spot and have yet to be signed by anyone – so there aren’t a lack of options for Boston. However, when it comes to quality, there is no doubt that Kimbrel is the top player available, but perhaps not the best for this team.
Next. End of 2018 BoSox injection roundtable. dark
Kimbrel has had a stellar three years in Boston, and although he had some tough spells in 2018 and the number of runs in, he remained pivotal in closing out games. His 42 saves went a long way in securing 108-wins for this phenomenal Red Sox side. He might be the best available closer for 2019, but the Red Sox have got to think beyond that, and star players such as Betts and Sale remain the most important of players to lock down for the long-term.