MLB Rumors: Kimbrel, Keuchel May Sit Out Current Season If Demands Not Met

Craig Kimbrel, one of the top names in MLB free agency along with Dallas Keuchel, is standing firm on his decision to get a lucrative deal and for a longer span. And from the looks of it, he will be waiting for any team willing to give him something close to that five-year deal in the $100 million range.

There were suggestions that Kimbrel would settle for a one-year deal so that he would not be left idle. But contrary to these reports, it seems that the former Boston Red Sox closer is more inclined to sign a deal for the long run. And while he is open to tweaking that price tag, it looks like the 30-year-old wants a long-term lease, NBC Sports reported.

Hence, it is now turning out to be a waiting game for Kimbrel. However, he is not the only one with Keuchel also holding out and asking pretty much the same numbers, Chron.com reported. There were reportedly some teams willing to give the 31-year-old a $20 million per season contract although not for five years. One team that has been linked to Keuchel is the San Diego Padres.

As for Kimbrel, there are still several teams interested in him. The teams include the Atlanta Braves, the Milwaukee Brewers and the Minnesota Twins, Yahoo Sports reported. The Red Sox were also reportedly open to bringing back the closer before Ryan Brasier entered the picture.

At the rate things are going for Kimbrel, he could end up likely to sign after the June 4 amateur draft, Masslive.com reported. Should that be the case, he can no longer be tied to a draft pick compensation and pitch in the Majors no early than July. If this scenario holds true, he will likely draw the interest of contending teams out to finish strong down the stretch.

Kimbrel saved 42 games for the World Series champion Red Sox in 2018, posting a 2.74 ERA in 62.1 innings. The seven-time All-Star owns 333 saves over a nine-year career and will turn 31 later this month.

There are a lot of teams who could use someone like Kimbrel right now. The right team to pick him up from free agency entirely depends right now on who can show him the money and long tenure.