Cubs Signing Craig Kimbrel is a Ridiculously Overrated Move
By Parker White
On Wednesday, the Chicago Cubs made a huge addition to their bullpen by signing free agent closer Craig Kimbrel to a three-year, $43 million deal.
Ever since the move was announced, folks on Twitter have been losing their minds.
Craig Kimbrel's deal with the Chicago Cubs is for three years and $43 million and includes a fourth-year option, sources tell ESPN. He'll receive $10 million this season and $16 million in 2020 and 2021. There is a $1 million buyout on a club/vesting option for the fourth year.
— Jeff Passan (@JeffPassan) June 6, 2019
The Cubs definitely needed to upgrade their bullpen, especially if closer Brandon Morrow is going to miss most of season. Unlike just about every other arm in the 'pen, Kimbrel is someone who can rush it up there in the high 90's.
But, let's not act like this will guarantee Chicago a championship and put them over the top.
I don’t like the Craig Kimbrel signing at all for the #cubs. $10M for half a season and $16M each for the next two seasons is a lot for an aging and declining pitcher who hasn’t pitched since October. Definitely a panic overpay.
— MVP Sports Talk (@TalkMvp) June 6, 2019
Off the top, the Cubs are paying a veteran closer who hasn't pitched since October $10 million for the rest of this season and $16 million each of the next two seasons. That's quite a bit of money for a closer who since last August has tallied just 17.1 innings and owns a 4.15 ERA.
I mean, the Red Sox had starting pitchers come out of the 'pen to close games in place of Kimbrel.
Every possible statistic / trend shows Kimbrel trending hard in the wrong direction. And he hasn’t faced live hitters since October 2018. Theo has lost his touch ??♂️ #RedSox
— cam (@McCahhhty) June 6, 2019
I don't doubt Kimbrel's ability to get swings and misses, but in 2018 he walked way too many batters, posting a 4.5 BB/9. I don't think being off for eight months is going to help his command.
Kimbrel will help an average Cubs bullpen, at least in the regular season, but this isn't like when Chicago acquired Aroldis Chapman and went on to win the World Series. This could be much worse and they are paying him eight figures for the next three years. Not great.