The Washington Nationals and Toronto Blue Jays are reportedly kicking the tires on San Diego Padres closer Craig Kimbrel, and that might be bad news for the Philadelphia Phillies.
The Phillies have been shopping their closer, Jonathan Papelbon, since spring training, but haven't gotten any bites. That hasn't been for a lack of interest; a number of teams, including the Blue Jays, have expressed a desire to acquire Papelbon but have backed off because of general manager Ruben Amaro's steep demands.
The Padres made a ton of moves this offseason to contend now, but they haven't worked out and they are in fourth place in the National League West. They are now clear sellers, and Kimbrel-who is owed $37 million over the next three seasons-is suddenly one of the most attractive trade chips in the game.
Bullpens are in vogue; the Yankees have ridden one of MLB's best bullpens to first place in the AL East while the Royals used one of the top bullpens in baseball to help propel them to the 2014 World Series. Kimbrel is one of the most decorated relievers in the sport, and after a rough start, has posted a 2.45 ERA in 2015 and racked up 29 saves.
Kimbrel has 12 more saves than Papelbon, strikes out more than three batters per nine more than the Phillies' stopper, and is owed slightly less over the next two years. Plus, Kimbrel comes without Papelbon's notable off-the-field baggage. Recently Papelbon, known for having a prickly personality, profanely urged the Phillies to trade him by saying they need to "s**t or get off the pot."
Finally, if Kimbrel is traded before Papelbon, the Padres' return will set the market for Papelbon. If San Diego is desperate to begin their rebuild, they could establish a market below what Amaro is hoping to get.
[CBS]
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