Dodgers Have Inquired about Multiple Cubs
We know there will be several moves before Friday’s 3:00 PM deadline. With rumors of Anthony Rizzo rumors in Boston, Kris Bryant rumors in Tampa/San Francisco/New York, and even some rumors on Javier Baez – we should get used to saying goodbye to one or more of those players. There is also thought that players like Zach Davies or Ryan Tepera will be moved as soon as today. What has been surprising is the lack of reported interest from the Los Angeles Dodgers. Well, till now.
The #Dodgers have spoken with the #Cubs about multiple players, and closer Craig Kimbrel is among them, source says. @MLB @MLBNetwork
— Jon Morosi (@jonmorosi) July 28, 2021
Someone like Craig Kimbrel makes sense for the Dodgers, a team that has the eighth-best bullpen ERA, but will play a lot of high-leverage games in the next three months and Kenley Jansen’s five blown saves rank as the second-most in baseball. Top it off, Jansen wasn’t his same dominant self in the 2020 playoffs and last year’s hero, Julio Urias, will undoubtedly remain in the starting rotation in the 2021 playoffs.
Kimbrel has been outstanding in 2021, and really since Mid-August 2020. Since Aug 14th, 2020, Kimbrel has given up a total of 4 ER across 50 2/3 IP posting a 0.73 ERA, 1.05 xFIP, and 2.01 FIP while striking out an outstanding 16.42 per nine.
His velocity is back up, his knucklecurve is devastating (I mean, hitters are swinging at the pitch when its thrown only 50 feet). He’s the real deal Holyfield.
The other players the Dodgers have likely inquired about would very likely be Bryant. The Dodgers haven’t gotten much out of Austin Barnes (95 wRC+), Matt Beaty (101 wRC+), or Cody Bellinger (59 wRC+). He also offers an upgrade to AJ Pollack and will spell Justin Turner at times. Bryant’s versatility allows them to move him around the diamond while helping underperforming or injured players the ability to slowly make their way back. The Dodgers have been a long-rumored spot for Bryant, from the closeness to his hometown (Las Vegas) to them simply being a team able (and more importantly willing, ahem, Cubs ownership) to spend on quality players.
I do not believe the Cubs pair Bryant and Kimbrel in one move. That would lessen the potential haul they can get for Kimbrel, only to improve (a little) the return on Bryant. This isn’t a knock on KB, not at all, but bats typically don’t get big returns at the deadline. (Shush up Miami Marlins…)
They will likely have interest in both players, but my educated guess is they only have the ability to grab one.
