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Atlanta Braves considering trading Craig Kimbrel?

By Corey Leahy

Oct 4, 2013; Atlanta, GA, USA; Atlanta Braves relief pitcher Craig Kimbrel (46) throws against the Los Angeles Dodgers during the ninth inning of game two of the National League divisional series playoff baseball game at Turner Field. The Braves won 4-3. Mandatory Credit: Daniel Shirey-USA TODAY Sports
Oct 4, 2013; Atlanta, GA, USA; Atlanta Braves relief pitcher Craig Kimbrel (46) throws against the Los Angeles Dodgers during the ninth inning of game two of the National League divisional series playoff baseball game at Turner Field. The Braves won 4-3. Mandatory Credit: Daniel Shirey-USA TODAY Sports /
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In a free agent market that is relatively deep with talent, trades are also being talked about within the MLB.

We’ve heard talks of a possible trade of David Price, pitcher for the Tampa Bay Rays, among others. With Price’s name coming up most often, this leaves the door open for other teams to check out the trade market, including the Atlanta Braves. Craig Kimbrel, is arguably the best player on Atlanta’s roster right now, and coul be considered the best closer in the league, now that Mariano Rivera is no longer playing.

According to Buster Olney of ESPN Insiders,

"They should be looking to trade him, and right now might be the best possible time.The Braves control Kimbrel for three more seasons before he becomes eligible for free agency after the 2016 season, and he’s about to get pretty expensive through arbitration, with his salary climbing from $655,000 in 2013 to the expected range of $7.25 million, according to MLB Trade Rumors.You cannot overstate how great Kimbrel has been in his first four years in the big leagues. In fact, try this on for size: His first four seasons are arguably the best of any reliever ever. The right-hander has allowed only 123 hits in 227 1/3 innings, with 381 strikeouts, 82 walks and just 10 homers surrendered. He has a career ERA of 1.39."

Do you think the Braves should trade Kimbrel away right now before the start of next season, or keep him for the long run? Sound off in the comments below.

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