Cubs Sign Coveted Free Agent Closer Craig Kimbrel

After months of waiting, closer Craig Kimbrel has a new home.

The Athletic's Ken Rosenthal reports that the Chicago Cubs have reached an agreement with the former Boston Red Sox and Atlanta Braves relief pitcher on Wednesday.

Interestingly, the Cubs signed Kimbrel using money that was saved due to infielder Ben Zobrist's leave of absence.

Kimbrel remained on the market due to his high salary demands and wanting to earn the top annual salary among MLB closers. Not to mention, if Kimbrel were signed earlier than this past Monday at midnight, he was tied to draft pick compensation. Thus, at the conclusion of the MLB Draft, it was decision time for the coveted bullpen arm.

The Chicago Cubs bullpen ranks as the eighth best in the league in terms of ERA (4.02), but have struggled to nail down a solution at closer, with multiple blown saves on the year. With the Cubbies leading in the NL Central and the Milwaukee Brewers nipping at their heels, they felt obligated to bolster their bullpen.

Last season with the Red Sox, Kimbrel recorded 42 saves in 47 opportunities, along with a 2.74 ERA and 5-1 record.

This move is a huge get for the Cubs, as they not only fortified their own roster, but prevented opponents from doing so as well.