As we know, the San Diego Padres are more than likely going to dump the closer this week, and according to a report from Jon Heyman of CBS, the Yankees are indeed interested in pursuing a potential deal. Washington, which acquired Turner from San Diego in the three-way Wil Myers trade, sees Turner as its shortstop of the future with Ian Desmond a free agent after the year.
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Adding Kimbrel to a back end of set-up man Dellin Betances and closer Andrew Miller might give the Yankees one of the scariest relief units in the majors.
The Nats and Jays also have been linked to Chapman, the Reds’ star who’s being shopped in their big sale. Plus, Kimbrel comes without Papelbon’s notable off-the-field baggage.
Houston, however, is concerned with the financial commitment that Kimbrel carries. If the Nats could land Kimbrel, the closer role could go to the new comer or he would set up Storen. 500 due to its pitching woes. With the Toronto Blue Jays showing recently that they’re serious about making a run down the stretch here, it wouldn’t be the worst idea in the world to get a solid arm like Kimbrel in the fold.
So far this year, Kimbrel has been effective, but he hasn’t entirely been his typical dominating self as his 2.75 ERA and 2.48 FIP represent the highest marks in his career.
If the Chicago Cubs don’t do much this week I’ll be very disappointed. He’s holding opposing hitters to a. 204 batting average, though it’s the first time hitters are even batting. Any team that acquires him also has control of his rights through his 30th birthday; his contract calls for guaranteed salaries of $11 million in 2016 and $13 million in 2017, with an additional club option at $13 million in 2018.
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Who will stud closer Craig Kimbrel be closing games out for beyond this week?
