The Case for Trading Craig Kimbrel

THE MONEY ARGUMENT Aug 13, 2014; Craig Kimbrel (46) delivers a pitch to a Los Angeles Dodgers. The Braves won 3-2. Mandatory Credit: Jason Getz-USA TODAY Sports

“He makes a lot of money – let’s free up payroll”

For what, exactly?  Yes – Kimbrel’s contract pays him $9 million this year, $11m in 2016, $13m in 2017… with a $13m option for 2018.  But is this an overpay for the best closer in baseball?  No – not even close.

There are several ways to look at this, if you’re thinking is “payroll dump”:

• If you’re freeing up payroll, what do you aim to do with that cash?  Is there a purpose more productive than paying Craig Kimbrel?  If so (like getting a big bat), then who would that be?  Would the impact of having more offense be countered by the lack of a shutdown closer?  (yes, we would still have Jason Grilli and Jim Johnson – it’s anyone’s call as to how much better Kimbrel would be vs. those guys)
• If you think he’s making too much money, remember that you need to find a team that thinks otherwise to trade with… if you’re successful, then was he really overpaid?  His deal is less than those of Jonathan Papelbon, Andrew Miller, Joe Nathan, and David Robertson.

The word missing from this argument is value.  You want to pay for production.  That’s value.  Kimbrel provides that.  Thus there are few players on this team with more value for their dollars spent than Craig.