The New York Mets-Craig Kimbrel noise just doesn’t seem to die. Can you imagine a bullpen with the power righty included?
Jeurys Familia in the seventh, Craig Kimbrel in the eighth, and Edwin Diaz in the ninth—can you imagine the possibility? Of course there’d be great drama as to which individual receives the ninth inning, but, nonetheless, that’s one nasty-looking bullpen.
According to Andy Martino, who dropped the knowledge on SNY’s Baseball Night in New York, the New York Mets are still “keeping in touch” with the free agent closer.
“By the way, they’re keeping in touch with Craig Kimbrel too,” Martino said.
The “keeping in touch too” references the report that New York is also keeping tabs on the other big free agent pitcher of the moment, Dallas Keuchel.
Kimbrel, 30, was seeking a six-year deal worth over $100 million. He remains unemployed.
In 2018, the Boston Red Sox closer saved 42 games. He pitched to a 2.74 ERA and a 0.995 WHIP to go along with 96 strikeouts in 62.1 innings.
On Saturday, despite eventual victory that came by way of five home runs and a heroic three-run eighth inning, the Mets pen once again pitched to a below-average degree. Robert Gsellman gave up one run and Familia completely blew up the game by putting up a three-spot in the top of the eighth.
The money is the great issue at hand. A legitimate eighth-inning man is still required and Craig Kimbrel absolutely over-delivers in the role. The only issue that’d remain is whether he or Edwin Diaz close games.
