3 Dark Horse Destinations for Craig Kimbrel

The Craig Kimbrel sweepstakes are now in full swing. The draft penalty attached to him is gone, meaning he's free to sign with any team, no strings attached. There are plenty of big name teams that he's been linked to, but these three dark horse destinations could grab him from right under their noses.

3. San Diego Padres

San Diego Padres v Colorado Rockies / Matthew Stockman

Outside of superstar closer Kirby Yates, San Diego's bullpen has been wildly mediocre in 2019. For the first time in recent memory, the Padres are in playoff contention, and a reunion with their former closer may be the the final piece they need to snag a Wild Card spot.

2. St. Louis Cardinals

Chicago Cubs v St Louis Cardinals / Dilip Vishwanat

The Cardinals can offer Kimbrel the starring role in place of Jordan Hicks, who sports a 3.98 ERA in spite of his triple-digit heat. St. Louis is right in the thick of the chase for the NL Central crown (especially after sweeping the Cubs this weeken), and they have the money to go out and get the big-name closer they so desperately need.

1. Minnesota Twins

Minnesota Twins v Tampa Bay Rays / Mike Carlson

Even as they sit 11.5 games ahead of second place in the AL Central, there are still some improvements the Twins can make to their squad. Chief among them is adding a veteran closer to a strong-but-unproven bullpen. A go-to guy like Kimbrel would give the Twins a stabilizing presence out of the bullpen. It certainly wouldn't be hard to convince him to join baseball's best winning percentage.