After early elimination from the 2021 MLB postseason, the Chicago White Sox have some work to do in order to make sure the same doesn’t happen next year. According to reports, they will start with picking up the $16 million option on reliever Craig Kimbrel’s contract. But it won’t be for the reason you might think.
USA Today’s Bob Nightengale recently reported that the White Sox intend to lock Kimbrel for the 2022 season for the sole purpose of trading him during the offseason. As Nightengale points out, the decision is most likely prompted by the 33-year-old’s struggles as a setup man while in Chicago.
Kimbrel started the season with the Chicago Cubs and emerged dominant in the closer role. He posted a 0.49 ERA and had 64 strikeouts and 23 saves in 39 games before being traded to the White Sox in late July.
The White Sox already had All-Star Liam Hendriks as their closer, but believed Kimbrel could help them in a setup role. This didn’t exactly work out for Chicago, with Kimbrel managing 5.09 ERA, 36 strikeouts, and one save in 24 regular-season games. He especially struggled in the postseason, posting 9.00 ERA and having zero strikeouts.
Despite the poor finish of the season, Craig Kimbrel should have plenty of suitors if the White Sox actually decide to shop him around. He still has a reputation as one of the best closers in the league, and closer-needy teams will jump on the chance to add him for the right price.
