Atlanta Braves: Possibility of Signing Craig Kimbrel Increasing

The longer we get into the offseason, the chances of the Atlanta Braves bringing Craig Kimbrel back home seem more-and-more likely.

When the offseason began there was speculation that the Atlanta Braves might reunite with Craig Kimbrel. That thought was quickly shot down once we found out Kimbrel was seeking a six-year deal for around $100 million.

However, as time has gone by the list of suitors for Kimbrel is very short. The only teams we’ve really seen linked to Kimbrel are the Braves and Red Sox, and that’s mainly because of his history with both clubs.

A lot of people in the media think it’s inevitable that Kimbrel goes back to the Red Sox, but just this week ownership stated again that they aren’t going to spend big bucks on a closer and that they are set with who they have in place.

Of course, the same has essentially been said — or least assumed — about the Braves. They also are not willing to spend big bucks on a reliever. The more pressing needs for the Atlanta Braves right now appear to be finding a replacement for Nick Markakis in right field and finding a top of the rotation starter.

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But if you’re the Braves, you can’t count out the possibility of Kimbrel coming back to Atlanta. I for one have never been a big fan of giving relievers big money because I think they are unpredictable, but we are talking about Kimbrel.

I know I don’t have to tell Braves fans just how dominant he has been in his career, but let me remind you just in case. Over nine seasons he has a career ERA of 1.91, a WHIP of 0.92, and K/9 of 14.7.

He has also racked up at least 31 saves in every season since he became a full-time closer for the Braves back in 2011.

It’s almost heart-breaking to see someone with his track record essentially getting no attention this offseason.

Being from Alabama, I have to figure that if the money is the same, Kimbrel would want to pitch for the Braves.

From the Braves standpoint, it really doesn’t make sense to get involved right now because you would just be bidding against yourself.

I honestly believe that if Kimbrel would take a three-year deal for around $14 million a year that he would be pitching for the Atlanta Braves in 2019 and beyond.