Without a doubt, Craig Kimbrel is the quintessential relief pitcher of today’s game. The seven-time All-Star and two-time reliever of the year has recently added a World Series Ring with the Boston Red Sox. He is also one of the top free agents that have yet to find a home for 2019. As Spring Training approaches fast, several teams are on the move grabbing those last few names for the next season.
Here are five teams that could greatly benefit from bringing Craig Kimbrel on board.
Joy R. Absalon/USA TODAY Sports
The Cardinals had an okay outing in the pitching department. They finished sixth in the National League in teams ERA, and 12th in all of baseball in the same category. Not to mention they were knocked out of a potential Wild Card spot by the Milwaukee Brewers. With the acquisition of Paul Goldschmidt, St. Louis can once again put their foot down with Kimbrel in their ranks.
Plus, young pitchers can absorb whatever knowledge the latter passes to them and further improve their skill sets. With Miles Mikolas spearheading and Kimbrel ready to hit the mound, the Cards could become a force no team can afford to undermine.
The Mariners are attempting to package young closer Edwin Diaz, left, with Robinson Cano. Image Courtesy of The Seattle Times
The Mariners had a fire sale this offseason. Many of Seattle’s best players, mainly Robinson Cano and Jean Segura, have gone on to dawn new colors for next season. To be fair, Cano’s hefty paycheck, 10-year, $240 million to be exact, was not doing the Mariners any favors down the line. But not everyone agreed with opting to trade Segura.
The Seattle Mariners finished 2018 at 89-73. Many experts saw the squad them as a playoff team, prior to the fire sale of course. Their pitching, however, was not anything to write home about. Not to mention that “King” Felix Hernandez does not have much baseball left in him. But if Seattle were to sign Kimbrel, their pitching crew could receive a much-needed spark for the next campaign.
Image courtesy of Call to the Pen.
The Braves are heading in the right direction. With a roster full of young guns ready to fight to the top, Atlanta took home the NL East pennant in 2018. But their playoff runs got cut short by the Los Angeles Dodgers in the NLDS. If it so happens that the Braves and the Dodgers clash in the playoffs again, having Kimbrel back could give the Braves a vital edge.
Kimbrel’s experience as a Brave and in warding off the Dodgers in the World Series could give Atlanta more to work with. Not to mention he could bail out Atlanta when the opponent starts to surge. With division opponents, Philadelphia, loading up their camp full of guns, Atlanta cannot afford to play around if they wish to defend their title.
Apr 10, 2016; Denver, CO, USA; Colorado Rockies shortstop Trevor Story (27) hits a solo home run in the eighth inning against the San Diego Padres at Coors Field. The Rockies defeated the Padres 6-3. Mandatory Credit: Ron Chenoy-USA TODAY Sports ORG
Like the Braves, the Rockies have now become a playoff contender, no small part due to their infield. However, their pitching department is still in need of work, especially since Adam Ottavino is no longer there. Plus, Kyle Freeland cannot shoulder the load by himself, despite his breakout season. If Colorado went after Craig Kimbrel, the NL West will be as good as theirs. Whatever Kimbrel can offer will make the Rockies a complete team.
Having him take on a mentor role for Colorado’s pitching prospects could benefit greatly as they look to make names for themselves. With Freeland on the mound, Arenado on the diamond and Kimbrel in the bullpen, baseball would witness a shutdown defense like few have seen before.
Adam Glanzman/Getty Images
The Indians walked away with the AL Central last season and finished the campaign 91-71. Cleveland also ranked in the top 10 in team pitching. But just because something is good does not mean it can’t be better. Cleveland should come after Kimbrel now while he’s still available. With him and Corey Kluber can rival the Houston Astros’ pitching crew in the American League. Not to mention that manager Terry Francona will have another big weapon at his disposal in big games to come.
With the Indians’ recent playoff surge, what Kimbrel brings to the table could not only keep Cleveland appearing in October, but also bring them another shot at the World Series.
Featured image courtesy of USA TODAY Sports
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