The Chicago Cubs have fallen out of first place in the NL Central lately, just behind the Milwaukee Brewers, but a big boost to the back-end of their bullpen will give them some major confidence. They got just that on Wednesday, winning the sweepstakes of free agent closer, Craig Kimbrel. MLB.com reported that the Cubs have reached an agreement on a multiyear deal with Kimbrel. The deal is reportedly for three years, which will keep him in the Windy City through the 2021 season.
Theo Epstein was asked about Kimbrel before the Cubs' game on Wednesday against the Colorado Rockies, but declined to comment on him. He would be a welcomed addition to the Cubs' pitching staff, as they hold a bullpen ERA of 4.02, which is already third in the National League. Despite that, the Cubs as a team do hold the highest walk rate in the National League, but on the bright side, also lead with a 48.3 percent ground ball rate.
Kimbrel has been in the minds of many after being one of numerous big names to not be signed as a free agent this past off-season. As his named remained unsigned throughout Spring Training and in to the regular season, he has been thrown in to rumors with multiple teams, including his former club, the Atlanta Braves. He was most recently with the Boston Red Sox this past season, recording the final out against the Los Angeles Dodgers for a World Series victory last October.
Over nine major league seasons, he has an ERA of 1.91 with 333 saves, which is the most among active relievers. Needless to say, he will be a major producer no matter where he lands, but once again, the Cubs strike gold in the bullpen. The last time they did that, they landed Aroldis Chapman and beat the Cleveland Indians in the World Series.
Theo Epstein was asked about Kimbrel before the Cubs' game on Wednesday against the Colorado Rockies, but declined to comment on him. He would be a welcomed addition to the Cubs' pitching staff, as they hold a bullpen ERA of 4.02, which is already third in the National League. Despite that, the Cubs as a team do hold the highest walk rate in the National League, but on the bright side, also lead with a 48.3 percent ground ball rate.
Kimbrel has been in the minds of many after being one of numerous big names to not be signed as a free agent this past off-season. As his named remained unsigned throughout Spring Training and in to the regular season, he has been thrown in to rumors with multiple teams, including his former club, the Atlanta Braves. He was most recently with the Boston Red Sox this past season, recording the final out against the Los Angeles Dodgers for a World Series victory last October.
Over nine major league seasons, he has an ERA of 1.91 with 333 saves, which is the most among active relievers. Needless to say, he will be a major producer no matter where he lands, but once again, the Cubs strike gold in the bullpen. The last time they did that, they landed Aroldis Chapman and beat the Cleveland Indians in the World Series.
