Milwaukee Brewers Rumors: Crew “In Talks” With Craig Kimbrel, Per Report

The Milwaukee Brewers are reportedly not yet done with the free agent market, and are thinking about making another move.

Robert Murray dropped this bomb on a Tuesday night about the Milwaukee Brewers are star closer Craig Kimbrel.

With Jeremy Jeffress slated to start the season on the injured list, the Brewers look to be in the market for another late-inning reliever.

What Does This Rumor Mean?

Being “in talks” with a free agent could mean anything. It could mean anything from simply touching base to being deep in negotiations and a signing could be imminent.

The Milwaukee Brewers never say never on any opportunity, and this is just another example of that. President of Baseball Operations David Stearns has been opportunistic throughout this free agent period, signing both Yasmani Grandal and Mike Moustakas on one-year contracts. Could he look to do the same with Kimbrel?

The reason Kimbrel, 30, has lasted this long on the open market is because he’s set a ridiculously high asking price for his services, initially looking for a contract in the range of 5-6 years. The Brewers aren’t interested at that price. Perhaps Kimbrel is ready to accept a one-year contract to re-enter the market next offseason.

The injury to Jeremy Jeffress is likely playing a part in the Brewers interest in Kimbrel at this late stage in the “offseason”. While David Stearns has said he doesn’t think the Jeffress injury will keep him out much longer past mid-late April, a signing like this would only make the Brewers dominant bullpen that much more dominant.

Over his nine year career, Kimbrel has a 1.91 ERA with 333 saves. Last season, he posted a 2.74 ERA with 42 saves. He’s one of, if not, the best closer in the game today.

What Kind Of Contract Would They Want?

If the Brewers are still interested in Kimbrel at this stage, it’s likely a short term pact. Perhaps a one, maybe two year deal would be sufficient. It could be something similar to Grandal and Moustakas with one guaranteed year and a mutual option for the second year.

Kimbrel is going to command somewhere north of $10+MM for one year.

This is a breaking development, and further news could come down quickly. While he’s not with the team yet, imagining a bullpen consisting of Kimbrel, Corey Knebel, Josh Hader, and Jeremy Jeffress is something that should get any Brewers fan excited.

Stay tuned for more information regarding Craig Kimbrel and the Milwaukee Brewers. If talks are indeed ongoing, there could be more news quickly.