We are just days away from the MLB Draft, and this year it adds another layer of excitement with the Atlanta Braves and others pursuing Craig Kimbrel and Dallas Keuchel.
After the first day of the MLB Draft on June 3, the Atlanta Braves and others will be able to sign Craig Kimbrel and Dallas Keuchel without losing a draft pick — and the slot money tied to that pick.
Many believe that as soon as the MLB Draft is over it will be a frenzy to see who signs either, or possibly both, of these players.
The Atlanta Braves have been linked to both, but realistically I only see them going after Craig Kimbrel.
There is an obvious need at the back end of the bullpen, and I get the feeling Kimbrel would love a reunion in Atlanta with his former teammates — and he would be close to his home in Alabama.
But the Atlanta Braves aren’t the only contender in desperate need of bullpen help. Kimbrel could help out half the league, so it will be a fight to sign the 31-year-old closer from Huntsville, Ala.
And then there is the fact that it will likely take him several weeks before he’s ready to pitch in a Major League game again.
I doubt Kimbrel has just been sitting at home playing video games. He’s in shape and ready to pitch, but he’ll still need some time to get up to game speed.
It certainly won’t take him as long as it will Keuchel, but I think it’s safe to assume that even after someone signs Kimbrel, it will be at least two weeks before he joins the Major League club.
With that, let’s take a look at the odds for each team to sign Craig Kimbrel after the MLB Draft.