Chicago Cubs made the first shot across the bow for the National League Central race. They signed Craig Kimbrel to a three-year 43-45 million dollar deal last night. Chicago finally solidifies the closer position, something that has been an issue for them. Even though Chicago has a top ten bullpen ERA this season, they are near the bottom of the league in saves. Some Brewers fans are bummed the team didn’t make a move for the dominant closer, but Milwaukee did the right thing as we could see a decline in Kimbrel’s career in the next few years.

There is nothing about Kimbrel’s 2018 that should give any fan confidence and perhaps the reason that Milwaukee stayed away from him. The numbers did not bode well for the 31-year-old closer. He had his second-highest career ERA, the most home runs allowed in a season, second-most walks, third-most walks per nine innings and his highest career FIP. When Mitch Ross, my podcast partner in crime, and I talk about relievers, we mention how they’re odd birds and things can change year-over-year yet none of these numbers would give me confidence if the Brewers ponied up 45 million dollars.

If Brewers gave this money to Kimbrel, what type of message would that send to Josh Hader? He seems like a guy that isn’t too wound up in the day-to-day madness of things, but Milwaukee did pay him less money in arbitration causing a bit of friction. If Brewers gave away his ninth-inning role to Kimbrel, that seems like a giant FU. Brewers could use a little bullpen help, but one of the places they’re not struggling in the ninth inning. Some would prefer to use Hader earlier in games and push him back to a set-up role yet he already comes in early. He is not a dedicated ninth-inning guy.

Do the Brewers need to make a move to compete with this one? Yes, likely. There is a keeping up with the Cubs effect, and Milwaukee should be in the hunt for starting pitching. As some pointed out already, it is not a strong year for players to be on the market. But with one MLB Trade Deadline this year versus two, it might be more active with teams trying to decide if they want to make a move or not.

This hasn’t been the best year for David Stearns but passing on Kimbrel is the right move.

Charlie.