Free agent closer Craig Kimbrel still doesn’t have a job in mid-April, and a large part of that seems to be down to his contractual demands.
According to Jim Bowden of The Athletic, Kimbrel and his agent were still seeking a five-year, $100 million deal as recently as late March. The market simply was not there for that sort of deal, and Kimbrel remains unsigned as a result.
Bowden blames Kimbrel’s agent, Dave Meter, for many of the player’s issues. Meter reportedly set a six-year, $120 million asking price for Kimbrel at the start of the offseason, and was left without many other options when the player did not attract any interest. Bowden even believes Meter’s handling of Kimbrel’s free agency could hinder his chances with potential future clients.
If Kimbrel is unwilling to compromise on that asking price, potential suitors will likely continue to be scared off. It’s not clear where this standoff ends.
