Even with the 2019 MLB Draft taking place this week, much of attention immediately shifted to Dallas Keuchel and Craig Kimbrel. Both players respective markets were expected to heat up as a result of teams no longer being required to yield a future draft pick for signing them.
While Keuchel remains in search of a new team, Kimbrel came off the board on Wednesday evening when he reportedly agreed to a three-year contract with the Chicago Cubs.
Other contending teams expressed interest in Kimbrel as well, including the Los Angeles Dodgers, whose bullpen issues have been well-documented this season. The club’s relief corps currently ranks 20th in all of baseball with a disappointing 4.63 ERA entering play Thursday.
Kimbrel had prioritized long-term stability and the ability to continue pitching in the ninth inning when holding discussions with interested suitors. He ultimately secured both with the Cubs, landing a multi-year contract while being guaranteed the closer role in Chicago.
While Kimbrel would’ve helped stabilize the bullpen, the Dodgers reportedly did not offer him an opportunity to close games, which was a deal-breaker for the seven-time All-Star, via Jorge Castillo of the L.A. Times:
The Dodgers and Craig Kimbrel talked, per source, but Kimbrel wanted to close and the Dodgers didn’t offer that opportunity.
— Jorge Castillo (@jorgecastillo) June 6, 2019
Unlike the Cubs who had a clear need at closer, the Dodgers are currently set at that position with Kenley Jansen. Though he has pitched to a career-high 3.16 ERA in the early going, the right-hander has pitched generally well this season, sporting a sub-one WHIP with 18 saves and 35 strikeouts over 25 appearances.
Jansen was reportedly open to the idea of Los Angeles adding Kimbrel, with the contingency that he continue pitching in the ninth inning. The Dodgers have tried pairing him with another established closer in years past, previously being linked to the likes of Zach Britton and Aroldis Chapman.
With less than two months until the July 31 trade deadline, the Dodgers will almost certainly address their bullpen in the weeks ahead. Now that Kimbrel is signed, the most likely path of doing so will come via trade.
And with there only being one trade deadline this season, activity around the league figures to ramp up earlier than usual.
