Rosenthal: Cubs ‘pushing hard’ for Craig Kimbrel
By Matt McCarthy, 985TheSportsHub.com
The Chicago Cubs are among the teams interested in signing former Red Sox closer Craig Kimbrel and, according to Ken Rosenthal, Theo Epstein and company are “pushing hard” for the seven-time All-Star.
#Cubs pushing hard for Kimbrel, sources tell The Athletic.
— Ken Rosenthal (@Ken_Rosenthal) June 5, 2019
Rosenthal wrote in The Athletic over the weekend that the Cubs, who spent a measly $8.5 million this offseason, could now be more willing to take on payroll in the absence of utility man Ben Zobrist, who is on the restricted list. Zobrist has stepped away from the game while he goes through a divorce, and the Cubs could save more than $9 million against the luxury tax if Zobrist does not return.
According to Rosenthal, the Twins and Phillies are also believed to be in the mix for Kimbrel.
As the Cubs have entered the picture, it seems that the Atlanta Braves, long-rumored as a potential landing spot for Kimbrel, have exited the frame.
The #Braves are *not* among the finalists to sign Craig Kimbrel, source says. @MLBNetwork
— Jon Morosi (@jonmorosi) June 5, 2019
Kimbrel, according to Rosenthal, was looking for a three-year deal “in the $39 million to $52 million range” in April.
It is unclear what type of contract Kimbrel is seeking now.
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