This trade could give Red Sox the Craig Kimbrel reunion they desperately want

The Red Sox should be looking to reunite with Cubs closer Craig Kimbrel at the upcoming MLB Trade Deadline.

Cubs President of Baseball Operations Jed Hoyer has made it clear that the team will head into the July 30 deadline selling off their assets. Chicago’s biggest trade chip? Closer Craig Kimbrel.

Kimbrel has quickly reemerged among the elite bullpen arms in the majors this season, adding to his resume as one of the best relievers in baseball history. In 31.2 innings pitched this season, Kimbrel has allowed just two earned runs (0.57 ERA) to go along with a 0.663 WHIP and 15.3 K/9 rate in 33 appearances. Opposing hitters have managed a measly .104 batting average as well and Kimbrel has converted 20 of 22 save opportunities.

The right-hander has pitched his way into the All-Star game, and his contract will also provide more value to match his dominant numbers.

Craig Kimbrel contract

He’s owed $16 million this season, and has a $16 team option as well as a $1 million buyout for 2022. It’s possible the Cubs could choose to pay a significant portion of his remaining deal, which would certainly increase the value of their return package.

Contending teams will be blowing up the phones of Hoyer and his team in regards to Kimbrel’s availability. He’s not just the most sought after asset on the Cubs, but perhaps in the entire league.

MLB rumors: Red Sox emerge as contender for Cubs’ Craig Kimbrel

One of the clubs that may inquire is Kimbrel’s former team, the Red Sox. Boston’s bullpen owns the 7th-lowest ERA in the majors this season (3.45), but they’ve also blown 14 saves. There’s no doubt Kimbrel would provide some late-inning dominance to go along with Matt Barnes and Adam Ottavino, both of whom have been used frequently to finish games.

Wherever Kimbrel ends up will depend on how much of his contract the Cubs will take on. Chicago needs to stockpile some young arms, and Boston has a few prospects that could fit the Cubs’ needs. Boston was ranked with the 24th-best farm system in the majors, per MLB Pipeline.

This proposed deal on a Baseball Trade Values simulator involving Kimbrel, left-hander Andrew Chafin, and cash in exchange for some of Boston’s top prospects is viewed as “accepted” for both sides.

Like Kimbrel, Chafin has been dominant this season. He owns a 1.43 ERA and 0.743 WHIP in 37.2 innings this season. Chafin has also shown his effectiveness towards both sides of the plate, holding opposing righties to a .129 batting average and lefties to a .158 BA.

It’s a lot to give up for the Red Sox who don’t have the most-talented farm system, but again, a lot of this is going to depend on how much they are willing to go all-in now and how much of Kimbrel’s remaining salary the Cubs will pay.