House That Hank Built
Fansided

Atlanta Braves: 5 Best Relief Options Left on the Board

By Jake Mastroianni

ATLANTA, GA - SEPTEMBER 17: Craig Kimbrel #46 of the Atlanta Braves leaves the bullpen to pitch in the ninth inning against the Washington Nationals at Turner Field on September 17, 2014 in Atlanta, Georgia. (Photo by Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images)
ATLANTA, GA - SEPTEMBER 17: Craig Kimbrel #46 of the Atlanta Braves leaves the bullpen to pitch in the ninth inning against the Washington Nationals at Turner Field on September 17, 2014 in Atlanta, Georgia. (Photo by Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images) /
facebooktwitterreddit
Prev
2 of 6
Next
LOS ANGELES, CA – OCTOBER 27: Closing pitcher Craig Kimbrel #46 of the Boston Red Sox pitches in the ninth inning in Game Four of the 2018 World Series against the Los Angeles Dodgers at Dodger Stadium on October 27, 2018 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Sean M. Haffey/Getty Images)
LOS ANGELES, CA – OCTOBER 27: Closing pitcher Craig Kimbrel #46 of the Boston Red Sox pitches in the ninth inning in Game Four of the 2018 World Series against the Los Angeles Dodgers at Dodger Stadium on October 27, 2018 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Sean M. Haffey/Getty Images) /

Craig Kimbrel

We’ll start with the obvious in Craig Kimbrel. He is the biggest name in terms of free agent relievers this offseason, and yet there as been little buzz surrounding him.

He has not been nearly as dominant since Atlanta traded him back before the start of the 2015 season, but he’s still an elite closer and one of the best in the game.

Last year he had a 2.74 ERA in 62.1 innings pitched with 96 strikeouts and 42 saves. Teams have been a little worried about Kimbrel after his struggles in the postseason where he gave up seven runs in 10.2 innings, which was aided by command issues (eight walks).

Kimbrel’s name has been attached to the Braves a lot this offseason, but I think it’s mostly because of his ties to the franchise.

The hard-throwing righty is from Alabama and I have to believe that he would love to pitch in Atlanta again. But the Braves have said several times this offseason they aren’t willing to meet his asking price, which started at six-years and $100 million.

Some have hinted to the fact that if Kimbrel were to take a three-year deal the Braves could come into play. See what Britton got above, I think Kimbrel at the very least would get four-years and $56 million.

In my opinion, that’s still way too much to spend on a reliever. If he would take a three-year deal for $40 million, then maybe it makes sense for the Braves.

The Red Sox also hinted recently that they don’t have a lot of money set aside for a closer. They were the only other team that’s really been tied to Kimbrel, so maybe he does have to come down and settle with the Braves.

Home/Braves News