Twins Reportedly Prioritizing Pursuit of Craig Kimbrel
By Jared Kish
Teams can now start their bidding wars for Craig Kimbrel since the closer is no longer tied to draft-pick compensation. The former Red Sox closer has been sitting out since the start of 2019 as he still remains unsigned. That will all change this week as the closer is expected to sign a deal and one team is making it a priority.
The Minnesota Twins have shown serious interest for Kimbrel and have made it their mission to sign him to a deal, reports Joel Sherman of the New York Post.
https://t.co/gbbE2d2377 Some thoughts/theories why Keuchel has yet to sign. #Yankees #Phillies #Twins #StlCards. Most common speculation I got from industry: Keuchel to NYY, Kimbrel to Minn. It was mainly speculation, though 1 exec said Kimbrel is a Twin priority.
— Joel Sherman (@Joelsherman1) June 4, 2019
If the twins are able to ink Kimbrel to a contract, it would be a great move for the club. The Twins are in first place by 10.5 games over the Cleveland Indians in the AL Central and are arguably the single best team in baseball. By signing an All-Star closer, their dreams of World Series glory sharpen into better focus.
"I think the Twins should try to go get Kimbrel now."@DTrainMLB says Minnesota adding Craig Kimbrel would show the fans that the team is aiming for a deep postseason run. pic.twitter.com/hnLYuF1wRa
— FOX Sports: MLB (@MLBONFOX) May 29, 2019
The Twins are facing competition from a number of other teams who need a closer and are looking to run deep in the playoffs, including the Chicago Cubs, who need to bolster the back end of their pen. If they can sell him on their status as a contender -- and fork over big money for more than a single year -- they could be in business at long last.