By Anthony Caruso III | Publisher
According to ESPN’s Craig Kimbrel, the Washington Nationals and star closer Craig Kimbrel are “further down the road” on a contract. Kimbrel is the top closer available left on the free agent market.
The Athletic’s Ken Rosenthal reported one day ago that the Nationals were still interested in Kimbrel. He also insists that the two are working towards an agreement.
If Kimbrel signed with the Nationals, he would force Sean Doolittle — who is presently listed as the closer — to the setup role. It would also give Washington would of the top two closer-setup men in the entire National League.
Washington would have ramifications if they sign Kimbrel. The team already lost a draft pick when the Nationals signed Patrick Corbin.
Should they sign Kimbrel, the team would also lose another draft pick, but a lesser pick, this time.
The 30-year-old Huntsville, Alabama native spent the last three seasons with the Boston Red Sox. He helped guide the Red Sox to the 2018 World Series win over the Los Angeles Dodgers in October.
This past season, Kimbrel went 5-1 with a 2.74 ERA in 63 games with 57 games finished and 42 saves. He allowed 19 runs (19 earned runs), including seven home runs on 31 hits over 62 ⅓ innings.
He also had 96 strikeouts and 31 walks.
Kimbrel has played for the Atlanta Braves, San Diego Padres, and the Red Sox in his career.
