Cubs Signing Craig Kimbrel Makes Them Legitimate Contenders

The Craig Kimbrel sweepstakes is officially over. The Chicago Cubs have agreed to terms with the free agent closer. Kimbrel has been shopped by a number of teams throughout the first half of the season, but has finally found a new home in Chicago.

Tied for first in the NL Central, the Cubs are making a serious push to claim another World Series title. With the signing of Kimbrel, Chicago takes care of one of the plaguing issues of their squad.

The Cubs closers have blown 11 saves this season, tied for third-worst in the entire league.

Kimbrel, who spent the past three seasons with the Boston Red Sox, accumulated 42 saves in the regular season and six in the postseason to help the Red Sox win the World Series.

As one of the best closers in the MLB, Kimbrel seriously elevates the Cubs chances at winning not just their division, but potentially another World Series as well.

The Cubs have been deemed World Series contenders in both seasons following their miraculous 2016 title run. After a disappointing Wild Card round exit last year at the hands of the Colorado Rockies, the Cubs are looking to do anything and everything they can to return to the league's elite.

The signing of Kimbrel is just the start of a championship push for the Cubs. With some of the leagues' best sluggers such as Kris Bryant and Anthony Rizzo on their roster, improving their bullpen gives them one of the scariest lineups in the game.

Kimbrel might not make an immediate impact, but his talent will shine throughout the second half of the season and a potential postseason run.

The Cubs signing Kimbrel no question makes them serious contenders ready to make a push for another World Series title.