(670 The Score) After a roller coaster 2021 season, White Sox reliever Craig Kimbrel is bracing himself to play for two teams in 2022 once again while also trying to stay in the moment.
With a desire to be a closer but Liam Hendriks filling that role for the White Sox, the 33-year-old Kimbrel remains a potential trade chip. Kimbrel went into the offseason believing a trade was on the horizon and general manager Rick Hahn has openly acknowledged that possibility, but that hasn’t come to fruition yet.
So amid weird circumstances, Kimbrel reported to White Sox camp after the team picked up his $16-million option last fall.
“We had discussions at the end of the season last year, and it looked like that (a trade) was the way it might be going,” Kimbrel said. “But here we are for multiple reasons. I am here to get ready for the season and do whatever I need to do.”
Kimbrel was dominant for the Cubs in the closer’s role in the first four months of the 2021 season, posting a 0.49 ERA and 0.71 WHIP in 39 appearances. He stumbled after being acquired by the White Sox in a trade, recording a 5.09 ERA and 1.22 WHIP in 24 appearances, primarily in a setup role.
Chicago signed setup man Kendall Graveman in November, then added reliever Joe Kelly recently as well. Kelly’s presence would seem to make a trade of Kimbrel even more likely.
While it’s an awkward situation for Kimbrel and the White Sox, each side has been professional about it.
"I was very respectful with how straightforward and transparent they were through everything,” Kimbrel said. “They thought about my career and knowing that was on the forefront of mind, about what may be best for me. But really in my mind, what is best for me is winning ball games. I want to put another ring on my hand. At the end of the day, that’s really it.”
Already on a Hall of Fame path with 372 saves for five different teams and a World Series title in 2018, Kimbrel sees more good days ahead for himself – wherever that may be.
"I am just going to do my part, and if everybody focuses on doing their part, that's what this is all about,” Kimbrel said. “We play as a team, but we all have our individual jobs to do. Just helping putting that all together and helping guys out and doing what I can ,that's what I enjoy – is winning and trying to help make guys better. The team is good. It would be nice to be a part of it and help the team win.”
Bruce Levine covers the Cubs and White Sox for 670 The Score. Follow him on Twitter @MLBBruceLevine.