The top closer of this free-agent class wants a record-breaking deal.
Craig Kimbrel is looking for a six-year pact, according to Buster Olney of ESPN. It would be the longest contract ever handed to a reliever.
The 30-year-old Kimbrel posted a 2.74 ERA and 3.13 FIP over 62 1/3 innings last year while notching 42 saves for the Boston Red Sox. The Red Sox tendered him a one-year, $17.9-million qualifying offer but Kimbrel declined it to become a free agent, meaning the closer is attached to draft-pick compensation if he signs elsewhere.
Kimbrel is the top reliever on the open market this winter in a class that includes Andrew Miller, Adam Ottavino, and Jeurys Familia - none of whom received qualifying offers. The seven-time All-Star ranks 14th on the all-time saves leaderboard with 333 and sits eight behind Hall of Famer Rollie Fingers.
The longest and most lucrative reliever's deal ever signed was Aroldis Chapman's five-year, $86-million agreement with the New York Yankees. Chapman signed prior to the 2016 campaign and heading into his age-29 season. The flamethrowing lefty was not attached to draft-pick compensation, having been traded the year prior.
The most expensive contract ever signed by a reliever - on an average annual basis - was last year's Wade Davis deal. The Colorado Rockies awarded the right-hander a three-year, $52-million contract heading into his age-32 season.
