REPORT: Dodgers interested in trading for Craig Kimbrel |
CHICAGO — With the trade deadline looming, the Chicago Cubs' front office is expected to be very active over the course of the next few days, as president of baseball operations Jed Hoyer is likely to sell off a bevy of talent so that he can begin rebuilding his club. While shortstop Javier Baez, third baseman Kris Bryant and first baseman Anthony Rizzo are the three rumored trade targets who represent the heart and soul of the Cubs as holdovers from the 2016 World Series team, closer Craig Kimbrel is widely viewed as the most coveted and integral trade target, not just on the Cubs but in the entire majors.
A star closer being acquired by a team at the trade deadline can make the ultimate difference between winning the World Series and falling short, such as Aroldis Chapman's impact on the 2016 Cubs. With that being said, Kimbrel is receiving plenty of interest in the midst of his resurgent season. The fact that he is under contract through next year surely plays a part in that, but most suitors are likely more focused on winning it all this year. Kimbrel can certainly play a major role in helping a team reach and win the Fall Classic, which is exactly what he did with the Boston Red Sox in 2018. Therefore, it should come as no surprise that the Los Angeles Dodgers are intrigued by the possibility of acquiring the fireballer. MLB Network's Jon Morosi reported on Wednesday that the reigning World Series champions have discussed potential trades with the Cubs, including a deal for Kimbrel. The #Dodgers have spoken with the #Cubs about multiple players, and closer Craig Kimbrel is among them, source says. @MLB @MLBNetwork While the Dodgers still have longtime closer Kenley Jansen coming out of the bullpen to finish off games, he has been shakier than usual at times this season, while Kimbrel has pitched lights out throughout the 2021 slate. As for the other Cubs generating interest from the Dodgers, Morosi's source may have only specifically mentioned Kimbrel, but Hoyer is reportedly shopping a bevy of players who could definitely assist the Dodgers in their quest for a repeat. Hoyer has already pulled the trigger in trading left fielder Joc Pederson to the Atlanta Braves and reliever Andrew Chafin to the Oakland Athletics, and he is all but certain to make at least a few more trades before the July 30 deadline. Kimbrel has notched 23 saves in his All-Star campaign this season, and the rich would get richer if the Dodgers were to garner his services.
