MLB Rumors: Teams Frantically Awaiting Decision Of Kimbrel, Keuchel

Craig Kimbrel remains a free agent, but it looks like the seven-time All-Star closer will be making a decision soon. The only problem right now is that it seems to be a wide-open race with no MLB team in the lead for his services.

This includes the Milwaukee Brewers, who have already had talks with Kimbrel’s agent David Meter. The Brewers’ pursuit of the 30-year-old is tied up to Jeremy Jeffress. The 31-year-old has yet to pitch in the Majors this season due to weakness in his right throwing shoulder, MLB.com reported. And unless he proves he has gotten over this injury, the belief is that general manager David Stearns will give Kimbrel more serious thoughts.

But of course, getting Kimbrel over to Milwaukee will depend on the price. His asking price is reportedly within the vicinity of the $52 million and $39 million deal of Wade Davis and Zack Britton, respectively. Those deals are spread over three years.

According to his agent, Kimbrel is looking for a deal worth more than $100 million spread through six years. And while he is considered one of the greatest closers of all time, there are some who question if he is worth such a lucrative amount, NJ.com reported. Kimbrel owns a 1.91 ERA across 532.2 career innings. That includes 333 saves, including leading the league every year from 2011 to 2014.

Aside from Kimbrel, another player reportedly on the Brewers radar is Dallas Keuchel. One of the last remaining major pitchers in the market, the 31-year-old southpaw can dramatically improve the Milwaukee bullpen. This means that players like Brandon Woodruff, Freddy Peralta or Corbin Burnes will be bumped down to relief roles.

Snagging both Kimbrel and Keuchel also makes sense for the Brewers. Should they sign either of the two, they would only lose their fourth-highest pick in the 2019 MLB Draft. They previously lost their third-highest pick when they signed Yasmani Grandal.

Another team keeping tabs on Kimbrel and Keuchel are the Atlanta Braves. Like most teams who have expressed interest in the two players, the Braves are wary of the asking price and the likelihood of losing a draft pick.

Atlanta is not allowed to sign an international player with more than a $10,000 signing bonus during the 2019-20 signing period. This is because of the penalties imposed by the MLB after a 2017 investigation into infractions with international and domestic player procurement.