The Chicago Cubs have found themselves in a tight division race in the NL Central, and they are reportedly thinking about making a significant move to improve their bullpen.
Ken Rosenthal of The Athletic reports that the Cubs are showing strong interest in signing Craig Kimbrel, who became an unrestricted free agent earlier this week.
#Cubs pushing hard for Kimbrel, sources tell The Athletic.
— Ken Rosenthal (@Ken_Rosenthal) June 5, 2019
Rosenthal notes that the Cubs may have more financial flexibility now than they did at the start of the season, as Ben Zobrist has been away from the team while he tends to some personal matters. Zobrist is making $12 million this season, and players typically are not paid while on the restricted list. If he does not return, the Cubs could save about $9 million and would receive that amount as a credit toward their luxury tax calculation, which might allow them to sign a player like Kimbrel without paying the tax.
Kimbrel is still seeking a multi-year contract, and he is reportedly generating interest from at least one other team. While he’s one of the best closers in baseball history and has 333 career saves, he struggled in the second half of the year and was an adventure at times in the playoffs with the Boston Red Sox.
The Cubs currently rank eighth in the majors with a 4.02 bullpen ERA. If Kimbrel isn’t negatively impacted by having so much time off, he could be a valuable piece for them the rest of the way.
