Craig Kimbrel celebrates after leading the National League in saves for the second consecutive season, converting 42 of 45 in 2012. (Photo : Reuters)
San Diego Padres seems open to trading and Craig Kimbrel might be moved this week to the Washington Nationals that has become the hottest team in the lotteries for the closer superstar.
Among the most competitive teams that have been after Craig Kimbrel is the Yankees and Nationals, SB Nation reported. Even though the Yankees have had a closer relationship with Kimbrel, they were reluctant to be open to trade top prospects that the San Diego Padres was ready to pursue in any possible deal.
According to Design Trend, Padres pitcher will probably no longer be in San Diego after this week transaction deadline. The Nationals are the "hottest" team so far since they are trying to acquire the first position in the NL East and return in the playoffs: the Nationals' desire is to advance their bullpen so that they get back in October.
Reportedly, Drew Storen had a wonderful season as the closer in Nationals this season in which case he sports a 1.73 ERA with 29 saves. In case the Nationals could acquire Kimbrel, there are high chances that the closer role could shift hands in favor of the newcomer or Kimbrel possibly set up Storen.
Kimbrel has an advantage given the 27-year-old has 29 saves with 2.75 ERA in the first season with San Diego Padres after leaving Atlanta Braves in the off-season. The superstar is owed $37 million in the next three years.
Kimbrel is among the better closers in baseball making is difficult for the Nats to fail to utilize him in the closer role in case they traded him to Washington.
On the other hand, Aroldis Chapman is reportedly on top of the Nats list of interest. The Cincinnati Reds star that hits over 100 mph on the radar gun is up for negotiation in the post season.
