Craig Kimbrel Boston Red Sox
Closing pitcher Craig Kimbrel #46 of the Boston Red Sox pumps his fist after the last out of the ninth inning to defeat the Los Angeles Dodgers 9-6 in Game Four of the 2018 World Series at Dodger Stadium on October 27, 2018 in Los Angeles, California. Sean M. Haffey/Getty Images

At the start of the offseason, Craig Kimbrel made headlines when it was reported that he was seeking a six-year contract worth at least $100 million. A couple of weeks into the 2019 MLB season, Kimbrel continues to make news because he remains unsigned.

According to both The Athletic’s Ken Rosenthal and ESPN's Tim Kurkjian, teams continue to say that Kimbrel’s asking price is too high. The closer almost certainly isn't still trying to land a nine-figure deal, but it sounds like he won’t even get half the money he was initially looking for.

Kurkjian said on Mondays “Baseball Tonight” podcast that Kimbrel might not be able to land a three-year contract. He noted that the Atlanta Braves, who have been linked to Kimbrel for the last few months, might be willing to give the veteran a one or two-year deal.

The Braves certainly aren't the only projected contender that need help in the bullpen. Almost the entire NL East could use Kimbrel. There were rumors that the Washington Nationals might sign the reliever during spring training, and the team has a historically bad bullpen ERA to start the year.

The New York Mets have reportedly been in contact with Kimbrel, though they aren't likely to give him a lucrative, long-term deal. The team gave reliever Jeurys Familia $30 million in the offseason, and they traded for closer Edwin Diaz.

Kimbrel decided not to attend the Boston Red Sox’s home opener Tuesday afternoon for the presentation of their World Series rings. With the highest payroll in baseball, the Red Sox decided that Kimbrel was out of their price range in the winter.

The Chicago Cubs could also use help in the bullpen, but they didn't spend any money in the offseason because they are the only National League team that's projected to be above the luxury tax.

Kimbrel’s regular-season numbers are among the best ever for a reliever, but he struggled in the second half of last season and was bad in the playoffs for the Red Sox.

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