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It took a long time, but one of the biggest pitchers of the match finally found a top spot in the Cubs after canceling the tied compensation plan when he refused a Red Sox qualification bid. The Boston organization will have no rough choices to let Craig Kimbrel walk, and the Chicago club will not have to separate it. The Cubbies, however, will pay $ 10 million to Kimbrel for his services and $ 32 million for two additional campaigns (with a $ 1 million buyout or a $ 16 million acquisition / club option for another).
On the one hand, it should be noted that Kimbrel was still able to guarantee a significant multi-year guarantee at this stage of the season. On the other … well, it still seems light. Entering the off-season, after some difficulties Kimbrel at the end of the season, we had planned $ 70 million over four years. This has been reduced compared to what could have been expected during the 2019 campaign; after all, Kimbrel's effort in 2018 was one of his most dominant. There were risks, of course, but that's why we assumed a four-year pact instead of five.
Kimbrel is not going to pitch for the Cubs all season, so there is a price reduction there. Even with this in mind, this contract remains close to the one the Rockies awarded to Wade Davis in the 2017-18 off season. This $ 52 million, three-year (with an acquisition / club option for the fourth year) pact seemed to be an obvious floor for Kimbrel. After all, Davis was an older pitcher who could not match Kimbrel's level of domination. And the contract with Davis was signed even though it cost a second choice to the Rox.
While it is certainly difficult to blame Kimbrel for preferring the best multi-year arrangement available at this stage, it certainly leaves a definite advantage in taking this path now rather than signing a lease. It's also an important commitment for a team of Cubs who ran out of money this winter but found a few in the meantime (partly due to an unusual situation with an expensive veteran). This is not a risk free transaction; far from it, especially given Kimbrel's recent performance on the field and the fact that he is gaining momentum in the middle of an ongoing season.
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