Report: Nationals, Braves showing interest in Kimbrel
Bryce Harper's megadeal with the Philadelphia Phillies might spur some of their division rivals into action.
The Washington Nationals are maintaining their interest in free-agent closer Craig Kimbrel, while the Atlanta Braves are also exploring the possibility of a deal with MLB's active saves leader, sources told Ken Rosenthal of The Athletic.
Atlanta's interest in Kimbrel, who spent his first five seasons with the Braves, is only for a shorter-term agreement, Rosenthal reports.
Washington, meanwhile, may be willing to offer Kimbrel a longer contract and more guaranteed money, Rosenthal adds. The Nationals would seek a lower average annual value because of the team's luxury tax issues.
The Nationals were one of only two teams (Boston Red Sox) that paid into the tax last year, and signing Kimbrel would push them back over the threshold for 2019. Washington has already spent significant money this winter to upgrade its roster, including signing Patrick Corbin to a $140-million deal and trading for All-Star catcher Yan Gomes.
The edge may belong to the Nationals, as rumblings emerged late Saturday that discussions with Kimbrel could be heating up.
heard Nationals/Kimbrel is “further down the road” than reported
— keithlaw (@keithlaw) March 3, 2019
Kimbrel would serve as a bullpen anchor for both teams.
In Atlanta, he'd become the undisputed closer ahead of Arodys Vizcaino and A.J. Minter. As a National, he would head up a deep and experienced bullpen that already includes All-Star stoppers Sean Doolittle and Trevor Rosenthal, and offseason pickup Kyle Barraclough.
The 31-year-old, who saved 42 games for the world champion Red Sox last year, has been stuck in free-agency limbo. It's been reported that he's asking for more than $100 million, which would set a record for his position.
Last month, it was suggested Kimbrel is considering sitting out the season if his asking price isn't met, though his agent strongly refuted that report.
The list of suitors beyond the Nationals and Braves remains unclear. A return to Boston appears to be out of the question, while it's reportedly unlikely that he'll join Harper in Philadelphia.