Cubs Reportedly Showing Interest in Craig Kimbrel as Draft Day Approaches

Draft Day in MLB isn't just important for amateur and school-aged prospects looking to one day establish themselves among the future stars of the game. It could very well end up being the day free agents Craig Kimbrel and Dallas Keuchel finally end their arduous free agent tenures and latch onto a club as the season wears on, shedding their attached draft pick compensation.

According to Chris Cotillo of Masslive.com, insiders are adding the Cubs to the mix of teams displaying real interest in Kimbrel, a potential game-changing closer.

Cotillo notes that the Cubs could be gaining significant financial flexibility in the wake of Ben Zobrist's divorce settlement, resulting in time away from the team. The utility infielder's $12.5 million salary for the season could turn into $9 million in extra payroll if he were to miss the whole season, which according to Cotillo is a legitimate possibility.

Though the Cubs have a 3.93 bullpen ERA, ninth-best in the majors, it's never a bad idea to have more depth wherever it can be added. That ERA mark doesn't necessarily pass the eye test, either, as most Cubs rooters have rightly pegged the lack of a proven closer as a deficiency moving into high-pressure games. Kimbrel, with all his closing experience and career pedigree, could end up being a major get for the contending Cubs if they decide to pull the trigger.