Craig Kimbrel Trade Rumors: Latest News, Speculation on Padres RP's Future

Dennis Lin of the San Diego Union-Tribune reported on Nov. 7 that San Diego Padres general manager A.J. Preller was willing to move anything not tied down. As a result, closer Craig Kimbrel has reportedly been traded for the second time in as many seasons.  

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Kimbrel Reportedly Traded to Red Sox

Friday, Nov. 13

Ken Rosenthal of Fox Sports reported Kimbrel has been traded to the Red Sox for an unknown return.

San Diego's timing in trading its All-Star closer couldn't be much worse since it will be a buyer's market this winter. CBS Sports' Jon Heyman mentioned no fewer than six other closers whose current teams are either trying to deal them or are fielding calls from other clubs for their services.

Despite moving to the spacious Petco Park, Kimbrel had his worst season to date in MLB in 2015. His 39 saves were a career low outside of his rookie year, while his 2.58 earned run average was also a career high. His 0.91 home runs allowed per nine innings were also nearly double his career average (0.47).

Combine that with the fact Kimbrel is owed $24 million guaranteed over the next two years—he has a $1 million buyout in 2018—and it's understandable why the Padres dealt him.