Rumor: Atlanta Braves are not a finalist for Craig Kimbrel

In the ever-developing rumor mill on free agent relief pitcher Craig Kimbrel, the Atlanta Braves are rumored not to be among the finalists.

A tweet from Jon Morosi Wednesday afternoon has Atlanta Braves fans in an uproar as he MLB Network and Fox Sports baseball writer/analyst said they are not among the finalist for Craig Kimbrel.

He doesn’t say who the finalist are, just that the Atlanta Braves aren’t one of them.

This is no shot at Morosi who is viewed by many as a great baseball reporter, but this just seems like a blanket statement to draw some interest.

I’ve said it all along, until Kimbrel signs elsewhere, I believe the Atlanta Braves are the favorite to sign him.

But the recent rumor of the Braves being a finalist for Dallas Keuchel has me thinking maybe they are more concerned with finding a starter than a reliever.

Also, it sounds like Kimbrel is still looking for a multi-year contract, and the Atlanta Braves have said all along that they aren’t willing to go that far for the former Braves closer.

The Cubs, Twins, and yes … the Phillies, appear to be among the favorites to sign Kimbrel at this point.

Still, I would not count out the Atlanta Braves. There is an obvious need in the bullpen, and Kimbrel is an obvious and easy solution.

But maybe the front office feels like they can improve the bullpen easier, and cheaper, through trades.

Whatever the case may be, the Atlanta Braves cannot sit on their hands and do nothing about the bullpen.

Yes, it’s been better. But it’s still a gaping hole on this team that has to be fixed if they want to win the NL East and compete in the postseason.

If the Atlanta Braves aren’t a finalist for Kimbrel, then they better be working now on fallback options.