By Matt McCarthy, 985TheSportsHub.com
Craig Kimbrel is still looking for his new home, and his free agent market appears as quiet as ever with just three weeks to go until the beginning of spring training.
The Atlanta Braves, one of the few remaining potential suitors for Kimbrel, apparently don’t have any interest in meeting Kimbrel’s contract demands.
Braves General Manager Alex Anthopoulos spoke about Kimbrel at length with MLB Network Radio on Thursday, and appeared to indicate that they won’t spend the money it takes to bring the closer back to Atlanta, where he began his career.
Doesn't sound like the #Braves are going to give Craig Kimbrel a monster deal, according to Alex Anthopoulos. pic.twitter.com/Rp3h6XXVQA
— MLB Network Radio on SiriusXM (@MLBNetworkRadio) January 24, 2019
Anthopoulos’ comments sound similar to Dave Dombrowski’s recent remarks on Kimbrel. Dombrowski has repeatedly stated that the Red Sox don’t envision spending big money on a closer.
Kimbrel has not been shy about asking for the moon this offseason. According to reports, the closer’s agent was asking for six-year contract north of $100 million at the Winter Meetings.
It seems unlikely that Kimbrel could secure that type of record deal at this point. Aroldis Chapman is the highest paid closer in baseball history at five years, $86 million.
Most teams that entered the offseason looking for bullpen help have already addressed those needs. The Cardinals signed Andrew Miller, the Yankees re-signed Zach Britton and brought in Adam Ottavino, the Angels added Cody Allen, and the Phillies signed David Robertson.
You can hear Matt McCarthy on 98.5 The Sports Hub’s own Hardcore Baseball podcast and on various 98.5 The Sports Hub programs. Follow him on Twitter @MattMcCarthy985.
