Just when the Chicago Cubs thought that they had all of their key players healthy and ready for their September playoff push, closer Craig Kimbrel hit the injured list with an elbow problem.

The Cubs placed their marquee, big-money reliever on the injured list in a surprising development for the team’s bullpen that has them wondering if they have the depth needed to overtake the Cardinals in a tight NL Central race.

Chicago currently trails St. Louis in the NL Central race by a margin of 2.5 games, and they hold a tenuous 2.5 game lead over Arizona for the second Wild Card spot in the league.

It’s hard to say if Kimbrel’s absence will end up being that big of a negative, despite his big-name status and big contract. The former Braves, Padres, and Red Sox reliever is having the worst season of his professional career, posting a 5.68 ERA in 19 games.

Kimbrel has struggled with issuing too many walks and with home runs this season, leading Cubs fans to have little confidence in their closer.

The team is unsure when their closer will return, but his healthy and productive presence would surely be important if the Cubs are to advance far in the playoffs.

The post Cubs Place Closer Craig Kimbrel on IL With Elbow Injury appeared first on SportzBonanza.

After signing All-Star closer Craig Kimbrel to a 3-year, $46 million deal earlier this month, the Cubs’ new closer is finally on his way to Wrigley Field.

The 31-year-old pitcher signed with the Cubs on June 6th after an extended wait that left the seven-time All-Star waiting to sign a deal until nearly halfway into the season. The reason for this was the fact that the team that signed him would’ve had to give up a first-round draft pick had they done so before this year’s draft.

So, despite the strange wait, and after 4 “warm-up” appearances with the AAA Iowa Cubs, Kimbrel has deemed ready for action and is on his way to the big league club.

Kimbrel, formerly of the Atlanta Braves, San Diego Padres, and Boston Red Sox, will immediately step in as Chicago’s closer. The Cubs, the owners of a slim one-game lead over the Milwaukee Brewers in the NL Central, hope that his addition will bolster a bullpen that has already been one of the stronger units in baseball this season.

The Cubs’ relievers have combined to post a 3.90 ERA, good for 7th in the MLB, and that number should only improve with the addition of their new closer, the owner of a career 1.91 ERA and 333 saves.

The post Cubs Add Star Closer Craig Kimbrel to Active Roster appeared first on SportzBonanza.

After staying in free agency for seven months, Craig Kimbrel finally found a job in MLB. According to The Athletic, Kimbrel has agreed to a three-year contract with Chicago Cubs.

MLB Network reports that Kimbrel’s deal is worth $43 million, with the All-Star closer set to earn $10 million in 2019 and 2020 and $16 million in 2021. The contract also has a club/vesting option for the fourth year with a $1 million buyout.

Tampa Bay Rays also expressed interest in Kimbrel, but their offer wasn’t financially strong as the one from the Cubs. Rays reportedly gave the 31-year-old to choose between two years, $31 million, and three years, $39 million offers.

While Chicago is still to officially confirm their newest acquisition, Cubs players already expressed their excitement about Kimbrel’s arrival.

“It’s like getting a gift on Christmas morning and having to wait to open it for a week or so before he’s here,” – said pitcher Jon Lester.

“He’s awesome. You’re bringing in–if he’s not the best, he’s one of the best closers in the game,” – added reliever Pedro Strop. “Hopefully he’s in good shape so he can help us win another World Series. … He’s one of my favorites.”

Craig Kimbrel spent the last three years with the Boston Red Sox, who offer him a one-year, $17.9 million qualifying offer to keep him for 2019. Kimbrel turned it down and headed to the free agency where he rejected several teams while waiting for the right offer.

Kimbrel’s MLB stats include 31-19 record, 1.91 ERA, 868 strikeouts and 333 saves. He made the All-Star seven times and has one World Series championship.

The post All-Star Closer Craig Kimbrel Signs a 3-Year, $43 Million Deal with Cubs appeared first on SportzBonanza.

Just when the Chicago Cubs thought that they had all of their key players healthy and ready for their September playoff push, closer Craig Kimbrel hit the injured list with an elbow problem.

The Cubs placed their marquee, big-money reliever on the injured list in a surprising development for the team’s bullpen that has them wondering if they have the depth needed to overtake the Cardinals in a tight NL Central race.

Chicago currently trails St. Louis in the NL Central race by a margin of 2.5 games, and they hold a tenuous 2.5 game lead over Arizona for the second Wild Card spot in the league.

It’s hard to say if Kimbrel’s absence will end up being that big of a negative, despite his big-name status and big contract. The former Braves, Padres, and Red Sox reliever is having the worst season of his professional career, posting a 5.68 ERA in 19 games.

Kimbrel has struggled with issuing too many walks and with home runs this season, leading Cubs fans to have little confidence in their closer.

The team is unsure when their closer will return, but his healthy and productive presence would surely be important if the Cubs are to advance far in the playoffs.

The post Cubs Place Closer Craig Kimbrel on IL With Elbow Injury appeared first on SportzBonanza.

After signing All-Star closer Craig Kimbrel to a 3-year, $46 million deal earlier this month, the Cubs’ new closer is finally on his way to Wrigley Field.

The 31-year-old pitcher signed with the Cubs on June 6th after an extended wait that left the seven-time All-Star waiting to sign a deal until nearly halfway into the season. The reason for this was the fact that the team that signed him would’ve had to give up a first-round draft pick had they done so before this year’s draft.

So, despite the strange wait, and after 4 “warm-up” appearances with the AAA Iowa Cubs, Kimbrel has deemed ready for action and is on his way to the big league club.

Kimbrel, formerly of the Atlanta Braves, San Diego Padres, and Boston Red Sox, will immediately step in as Chicago’s closer. The Cubs, the owners of a slim one-game lead over the Milwaukee Brewers in the NL Central, hope that his addition will bolster a bullpen that has already been one of the stronger units in baseball this season.

The Cubs’ relievers have combined to post a 3.90 ERA, good for 7th in the MLB, and that number should only improve with the addition of their new closer, the owner of a career 1.91 ERA and 333 saves.

The post Cubs Add Star Closer Craig Kimbrel to Active Roster appeared first on SportzBonanza.

After staying in free agency for seven months, Craig Kimbrel finally found a job in MLB. According to The Athletic, Kimbrel has agreed to a three-year contract with Chicago Cubs.

MLB Network reports that Kimbrel’s deal is worth $43 million, with the All-Star closer set to earn $10 million in 2019 and 2020 and $16 million in 2021. The contract also has a club/vesting option for the fourth year with a $1 million buyout.

Tampa Bay Rays also expressed interest in Kimbrel, but their offer wasn’t financially strong as the one from the Cubs. Rays reportedly gave the 31-year-old to choose between two years, $31 million, and three years, $39 million offers.

While Chicago is still to officially confirm their newest acquisition, Cubs players already expressed their excitement about Kimbrel’s arrival.

“It’s like getting a gift on Christmas morning and having to wait to open it for a week or so before he’s here,” – said pitcher Jon Lester.

“He’s awesome. You’re bringing in–if he’s not the best, he’s one of the best closers in the game,” – added reliever Pedro Strop. “Hopefully he’s in good shape so he can help us win another World Series. … He’s one of my favorites.”

Craig Kimbrel spent the last three years with the Boston Red Sox, who offer him a one-year, $17.9 million qualifying offer to keep him for 2019. Kimbrel turned it down and headed to the free agency where he rejected several teams while waiting for the right offer.

Kimbrel’s MLB stats include 31-19 record, 1.91 ERA, 868 strikeouts and 333 saves. He made the All-Star seven times and has one World Series championship.

The post All-Star Closer Craig Kimbrel Signs a 3-Year, $43 Million Deal with Cubs appeared first on SportzBonanza.