(Audacy) It's time for the biannual discussion of which team should acquire eight-time All-Star closer Craig Kimbrel next.
The Chicago White Sox traded for Kimbrel in late July after he had a tremendous first half with the crosstown rival Cubs, but they used him as a setup man in front of All-Star closer Liam Hendricks. That arrangement didn't work out, as Kimbrel posted a 5.09 ERA and 4.56 FIP in 24 games with the White Sox. That came after he had a 0.49 ERA and 1.10 FIP in 39 games with the Cubs, a period that also saw him convert 23 of 25 save chances. Closers are often different animals, and some really aren't meant to pitch anywhere other than the ninth inning.
With that in mind, the White Sox do plan to exercise Kimbrel's $16-million club option for 2022, but they'll do so with the expectation of trading him afterward, Bob Nightengale of USA Today reported Wednesday.
Here's an early look at some closer-needy contenders that could make sense as landing spots for the 33-year-old Kimbrel.
Philadelphia Phillies
Jonathan Daniel/Getty ImagesThe Phillies did check in on Kimbrel in the summer but balked at the idea of giving up top prospect Mick Abel, according to Jim Salisbury of NBC Sports Philadelphia, The price will likely be much lower this winter, and the Phillies are desperate for stability in the back end of their bullpen, something that's eluded them since trading Jonathan Papelbon in July 2015. On paper, the Phillies are perhaps the best fit for Kimbrel, with president of baseball operations Dave Dombrowski in position to acquire the star closer for a second time.
Atlanta Braves
Kevin C. Cox/Getty ImagesThe Braves are the only team on this list still alive in the playoffs after a home run from star first baseman Freddie Freeman lifted them past the Brewers in Game 4 on Tuesday and into the National League Championship Series for the second straight season. Most notably, the Braves need to re-sign free agent-to-be Freeman this winter. But they still could use some help in the bullpen. While Kimbrel's $16-million price tag in 2022 may turn lead executive Alex Anthopoulos and company off, Will Smith wasn't automatic in the ninth inning in the 2021 regular season. If the Braves can make the financials work, a reunion with Kimbrel -- who spent the first five years of his career in Atlanta -- would make a ton of sense.
Listen to MLB talk now on Audacy and shop the latest MLB team gear.
New York Yankees
Bruce Kluckhohn/USA Today SportsPerhaps general manager Brian Cashman and the Yankees will be more inclined to make major investments in their starting rotation or to dip their toes in a historic class of free-agent shortstops, but their bullpen could use some reinforcement as well. Zack Britton had Tommy John surgery in September, and Aroldis Chapman posted a 3.99 FIP in 61 games this past season. Chapman remains under contract for $18 million in 2022, but if the Yankees could acquire Kimbrel, it's hard to say it wouldn't improve their team to have Chapman move into a setup role.
San Diego Padres
Denis Poroy/Getty ImagesPadres president of baseball operations A.J. Preller acquired Kimbrel from the Braves in April 2015, and he saved 39 games for them in what turned out to be his lone season with the team. Preller then traded Kimbrel to the Boston Red Sox ahead of the 2016 season, but the Padres were at a much different place organizationally at that time. If they have better luck in terms of health in their starting rotation in 2022, the Padres could very well compete with the Giants and Dodgers in the NL West and senior circuit as a whole. To do so, they'll need one of the deepest bullpens in baseball. Re-acquiring Kimbrel -- whether Mark Melancon returns or not -- would go a long way toward that end.
LISTEN on the Audacy app
Sign up and follow Audacy Sports
Facebook | Twitter | Instagram
