November 07, 2018

MLB free agency rumors: Phillies reportedly interested in closer Craig Kimbrel

By Matt Mullin
PhillyVoice Staff

We're only a few days into MLB free agency, but it already seems like the Philadelphia Phillies have been linked to nearly every top available player. And that's not likely to stop any time soon — what, with the Phillies having all that money to spend and all those areas in which to improve.

It's previously been reported that the Phillies are looking to add some pitching help, preferably a "front-line, top-end starter," and have already been linked to Diamondacks lefty Patrick Corbin. But it appears as those general manger Matt Klentak and president Andy MacPhail will want to add some bullpen help as well.

According to Jon Morosi of MLB Network, the Phillies are interested in signing former Red Sox and Braves closer Craig Kimbrel.

Source: #Phillies interested in Craig Kimbrel, in addition to their well-documented desire to add a superstar position player. #Braves and #STLCards are among the other possible suitors for Kimbrel. @MLBNetwork @MLB
— Jon Morosi (@jonmorosi) November 7, 2018

Last season, it was a young Seranthony Dominguez who led the Phillies in saves with 16 after taking over for a struggling and maddeningly inconsistent Hector Neris, who finished with 11. But the duo also combined for seven of the team's 19 blown saves. And with Dominguez's age, there could be some concern that he's not ready to take over as the full-time closer on a contending team, something the Phillies will be expected to be in 2019.

Kimbrel, on the other hand, not only brings veteran experience at the age of 30, but he also brings a World Series ring. After spending the first five years of his career in Atlanta (and a subsequent year in San Diego), the seven-time All Star was traded to the Red Sox in 2015, where he was a member of their 2018 championship team.

Despite being on the wrong side of 30, Kimbrel can still command a hefty price tag this summer as he's the top reliever on the market and last season recorded his most saves since he was pitching for the Braves.

Here's a look at his career numbers:

Year	TM	ERA	SV	WHIP	SO/9	SO/W
2010	ATL	0.44	1	1.210	17.4	2.50
2011	ATL	2.10	46	1.039	14.8	3.97
2012	ATL	1.01	42	0.654	16.7	8.29
2013	ATL	1.21	50	0.881	13.2	4.90
2014	ATL	1.61	47	0.908	13.9	3.65
2015	SDP	2.58	39	1.045	13.2	3.95
2016	BOS	3.40	31	1.094	14.1	2.77
2017	BOS	1.43	35	0.681	16.4	9.00
2018	BOS	2.74	42	0.995	13.9	3.10
TOT	- - -	1.91	333	0.920	14.7	4.23