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5 teams that should sign Craig Kimbrel

By Dylan Schmittler

LOS ANGELES, CA - OCTOBER 27: Craig Kimbrel #46 of the Boston Red Sox delivers during the ninth inning of game four of the 2018 World Series against the Los Angeles Dodgers on October 27, 2018 at Dodger Stadium in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Billie Weiss/Boston Red Sox/Getty Images)
LOS ANGELES, CA - OCTOBER 27: Craig Kimbrel #46 of the Boston Red Sox delivers during the ninth inning of game four of the 2018 World Series against the Los Angeles Dodgers on October 27, 2018 at Dodger Stadium in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Billie Weiss/Boston Red Sox/Getty Images) /
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ATLANTA, GA – MAY 28: Max Fried #54 of the Atlanta Braves pitches in the first inning of an MLB game against the Washington Nationals at SunTrust Park on May 28, 2019 in Atlanta, Georgia. (Photo by Todd Kirkland/Getty Images)
ATLANTA, GA – MAY 28: Max Fried #54 of the Atlanta Braves pitches in the first inning of an MLB game against the Washington Nationals at SunTrust Park on May 28, 2019 in Atlanta, Georgia. (Photo by Todd Kirkland/Getty Images) /

Atlanta Braves

Reunions do not always happen in baseball. Teams often do not look at signing free agents who once played for their organization.

In one case, the Atlanta Braves should look at signing their former closer after Monday’s draft.

In 2019, the Braves have a 30-25 record. One of Atlanta’s biggest headaches has been the ninth inning. After blowing 20 saves in 2018 and a lead in last year’s National League Divisional Series, Atlanta’s bullpen has blown nine saves and dealt with closer problems throughout the entire season.

Incumbent closer Arodys Vizcaino suffered a season-ending shoulder injury before being traded to the Seattle Mariners.

Since then Atlanta’s bullpen has struggled in his absence. Luke Jackson recently blew two save chances. Former starter Sean Newcomb also picked up a save. Kimbrel would be a welcome addition to Atlanta’s struggling bullpen. His presence could stabilize a bullpen and could then slot the relievers into defined roles.

Kimbrel’s trek could end with a successful return to Atlanta, where he racked up 186 saves and 476 strikeouts in a five-year stint before being traded to the San Diego Padres.

Next. Yankees will get James Paxton back Wednesday. dark

No matter where Kimbrel signs, his new team should be very happy to add his arm for the remainder of the season.

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