Chicago Cubs

Report: Cubs Kicking Tires on Potential Signing of Craig Kimbrel

Kimbrel remains a free agent despite having at least 30 saves in each of his last eight seasons

The Chicago Cubs are exploring options to bolster their bullpen, and according to a new report, they could turn to free agency to do just that.

The report, which comes from Ken Rosenthal of The Athletic, indicates that the Cubs are expressing interest in free agent closer Craig Kimbrel, and the reason why has to do with infielder Ben Zobrist.

According to the report, the Cubs are saving money on their luxury tax hit because Zobrist is on the restricted list. That savings could be used to sign Kimbrel, who remains on the free agent market despite being one of the top closers in the game during his MLB career.

The market for Kimbrel is expected to heat up quickly in the days to come, as teams will no longer have to forfeiting draft picks to sign him after midnight Sunday night. Once MLB Draft day officially begins, the pick compensation portion of the Kimbrel contract will expire, likely opening the floodgates for offers.

In 63 appearances last season, Kimbrel posted a 5-1 record with a 2.74 ERA and 42 saves. In his big league career, Kimbrell has 333 saves, and has registered at least 30 saves in each of the last eight seasons.

If the cubs don’t end up signing Kimbrel, they could also be interested in Chicago White Sox closer Alex Colomé, as the team has reportedly been scouting the hurler in recent days.  

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