The Phillies are well-known to be in hot pursuit of an offensive ace-type player. Bryce Harper and Manny Machado are most-often mentioned. But how about a relief ace for the back of the bullpen? The Phillies just might be in on the biggest name in relief pitching.
According to Jon Morosi of MLB.com, the club is interested in All-Star closer Craig Kimbrel:
Source: #Phillies interested in Craig Kimbrel, in addition to their well-documented desire to add a superstar position player. #Braves and #STLCards are among the other possible suitors for Kimbrel. @MLBNetwork @MLB
— Jon Morosi (@jonmorosi) November 7, 2018
Kimbrel, of course, just help lead the Boston Red Sox to a World Championship. The Phillies bullpen was mostly good last season, minus a rough stretch. They hit their stride when veterans Pat Neshek and Tommy Hunter were paired with an effective Seranthony Dominguez. The closer to open the season was Hector Neris, who ultimately ended up in Triple-A.
Phillies president Andy MacPhail indicated that he wished for consistency from some, including the very talented Neris. Having a consistent Kimbrel at the back-end, paired with Dominguez, Neris and the other veterans in the bullpen, could make for a strong relief corps.
Lifetime, Kimbrel is 31-19 with a 1.91 earned run average with 333 saves over nine seasons with the Atlanta Braves, San Diego Padres, and Boston Red Sox. Kimbrel is 30 years old.
