Phillies among 4 potential landing spots for Craig Kimbrel
It's time for the bi-annual discussion of what team should acquire eight-time All-Star closer Craig Kimbrel next.
The Chicago White Sox traded for Kimbrel after he had a tremendous first half with the cross-town rival Cubs, but used him as a set-up man for Liam Hendricks. That arrangement didn't work out, as Kimbrel posted a 5.09 ERA and 4.56 FIP in 24 games with the White Sox. That came after he had a 0.49 ERA and 1.10 FIP in 39 games with the Cubs, a period that also saw him convert 23 of 25 save attempts. Closers are often different animals, and some really aren't meant to pitch anywhere other than the ninth inning.
With that in mind, Bob Nightengale of USA Today says that while the White Sox do plan to exercise Kimbrel's $16 million club option for 2022, they'll do so with the expectation of trading him afterwards.
Here's an early look at some closer-needy contenders that could make sense as landing spots for the 33-year-old: