Cubs News: Theo Epstein on possibility of signing Craig Kimbrel |
The Cubs' bullpen has been without an established closer for the 2019 season.
There are reports out there on Wednesday saying that the Cubs are 'pushing hard' to sign five-time All-Star closer Craig Kimbrel to shore up their issues in the late innings. Cubs President of Operations Theo Epstein spoke to reporters on Wednesday and said that the team is open to making a move if it helps the ballclub. "I think we have a number of relievers throwing well," Epstein said via The Athletic. "But you're always trying to get better out there, too, and we've been open about the fact that at some point we’ll probably get some help from outside the organization." Epstein wouldn't confirm the Kimbrel reports but didn't deny it either. "Trades are certainly a possibility, and there's usually not quality free agents rolling around this time of year. But any guy that’s out there, we’ll certainly do our due diligence and see if that makes sense." For his career, Kimbrell has a sparkling 1.91 ERA with 333 saves, 868 strikeouts, and a 0.92 WHIP.
