MLB Rumors: Craig Kimbrel In Serious Talks With NL Team, Previously Linked To Phillies, Nationals

The top reliever on the market might finally be getting close to finding a home. With the 2019 MLB season set to get underway in eight days, Craig Kimbrel is reportedly in talks with the Milwaukee Brewers.

The Athletic first reported that the closer and Milwaukee were engaging in discussions, and Fancred’s Jon Heyman noted Wednesday afternoon that negotiations are “pretty serious.”

Kimbrel has been linked to several different teams this offseason.

It was speculated early in the winter that he might get a deal from the Philadelphia Phillies. When Philadelphia gave $330 million to Bryce Harper, the Washington Nationals emerged as a possible destination. The Minnesota Twins were reportedly in contact with Kimbrel’s agent.

The Boston Red Sox were never going to re-sign Kimbrel for his reported asking price of at least $100 million over six years. Even as it’s become clear that the veteran would have to settle for far less, a reunion between the closer and the world champions has seemed unlikely.

Milwaukee has been relatively quiet this winter. They've signed catcher Yasmani Grandal and third baseman Mike Moustakas to one-year contracts.

The Brewers were busy in the offseason before the 2018 MLB season, signing outfielder Lorenzo Cain and trading for eventual MVP Christian Yellich. Milwaukee made it to Game 7 of the NLCS, where they were defeated at home by the Los Angeles Dodgers.

Kimbrel has been among the most productive relievers in MLB history with 333 saves, a 1.91 ERA and 868 strikeouts in 532.2 career innings.