Red Sox: Which player has the most to prove going into 2019?

Craig Kimbrel (Currently a Free Agent)

It would be unfair to discredit what Kimbrel has been able to do for Boston since leaving Atlanta and San Diego. In three seasons in Boston, he has compiled a 12 – 7 record with a 2.44 ERA with 108 saves and 305 strike outs in 184 1/3rd innings of work. That’s a 14.9 K/9 Ratio for those keeping notes.

Kimbrel was brought on several years ago to help bring the team back to the postseason and make a deep run in the hopes of winning a World Series Title which finally came in 2018. The spectacular lockdown closer was all but himself come the playoffs however which led the team to winning despite his performance. On several occasions, Kimbrel almost blew the game. What happened? It’s certainly one of the reasons why the Red Rocket has not found a home in 2019 and beyond as of right now.

His agent has been seeking a deal in the realm of 6 years and $100 million guaranteed. Safe to say that that was not going to happen with how he imploded in the World Series in 2018. Could Kimbrel return to Boston in 2019? Sure could! In fact, it would solidify the bullpen that made no major additions as opposed to the Yankees who added multiple closers this offseason. Kimbrel could find himself coming back on a short term deal.

With this short term deal, he could prove himself and with that perhaps then, could find a team willing to give him a longterm deal. It just doesn’t appear to be in Boston, at least not right now.