Red Sox Free Agency: Possible landing spots for Craig Kimbrel

LOS ANGELES, CA - OCTOBER 27: Closing pitcher Craig Kimbrel #46 of the Boston Red Sox pumps his fist after the last out of the ninth inning to defeat the Los Angeles Dodgers 9-6 in Game Four of the 2018 World Series at Dodger Stadium on October 27, 2018 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Jeff Gross/Getty Images)
LOS ANGELES, CA - OCTOBER 27: Closing pitcher Craig Kimbrel #46 of the Boston Red Sox pumps his fist after the last out of the ninth inning to defeat the Los Angeles Dodgers 9-6 in Game Four of the 2018 World Series at Dodger Stadium on October 27, 2018 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Jeff Gross/Getty Images)
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HOUSTON, TX – OCTOBER 06: Craig Kimbrel #46 of the Boston Red Sox stands on the pitcher’s mound in the eighth inning against the Houston Astros during game two of the American League Division Series at Minute Maid Park on October 6, 2017 in Houston, Texas. (Photo by Bob Levey/Getty Images)

Interesting Candidates

5. Twins (2018 staff ERA: 4.50, 22nd in MLB)

2019 free-agent relief additions: Blake Parker

2019 free-agent relief subtractions: None

After a disappointing 2018, the Twins have been active this offseason, signing Nelson Cruz, C.J. Cron, and Jonathan Schoop. However, they are yet to make many additions to a pitching staff that fell in the bottom third of the majors last season. A late-inning lineup of Addison Reed, Trevor May and Kimbrel could be lights out and help the Twins challenge for their first AL Central title since 2010.

4. Angels (2018 staff ERA: 3.92, 13th in MLB)

2019 free-agent relief additions: Cody Allen

2019 free-agent relief subtractions: Blake Parker

The Angels looked like they had found their closer in Cody Allen, but his 4.70 ERA last season makes him a questionable signing at best. The former Indian also only signed a one-year contract, meaning the Angels are likely interested in someone else long term. The appeal of sunny California and playing with Mike Trout could be enough to lure Kimbrel. The Angels also have a sense of urgency as Trout enters the last two years of his current contract.

Schedule