Craig Kimbrel, a nine-time All-Star closer, and the St. Louis Cardinals have had many run-ins over the years. Maybe it’s time for the two to move on from their past and reunite. The 37-year-old Kimbrel is still unsigned after a terrible season with the Baltimore Orioles.
In 57 games, the seasoned reliever had a 7-5 record, a 5.33 ERA, and a -1.1 bWAR. With 23 saves and a 2.80 ERA in the first half, Kimbrel looked like the All-Star he used to be. Regarding his second-half 20-15 K-BB ratio and 10.59 ERA, the less said the better.
The idea of signing Kimbrel might not excite Cardinals supporters. The Cardinals still wish to acquire an experienced reliever, according to the St. Louis Post-Dispatch. If so, the Cardinals ought to sign Kimbrel, even if it’s just on a minor league contract. In the best-case scenario, he appeals to contenders as an extra seasoned arm and has another strong first half for a squad in transition. Kimbrel’s finest days may be over,
but if that’s the worst case scenario, then whatever. As the Cardinals are ready to start a new era—one that probably won’t include perennial All-Star third baseman Nolan Arenado—they have nothing to lose.
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