RADIO
Craig Kimbrel Still An Elite Closer
7 years agoCraig Kimbrel demonstrated that every elite closer could have a lackluster season. For Kimbrel, that season was 2016, led by a terrible base on balls percentage of 13.6 and a 3.40 earned run average. Loyal managers were rewarded in 2017 with stats expected of an elite closer, likely at a reduced price. Kimbrel dropped his BB% to 5.5 and increased his strikeout percentage to 49.6, which is 12% more than he had in 2016. One thing to keep in mind is his left on base percentage (93.9) and K-BB% (44.1) either were or close to career bests; a little regression towards his average can be expected. Despite any regression, Kimbrel is one of the premier relievers in the game and should be treated as such. He will be drafted around the 6th round unless someone wants to solidify their team's reliever position earlier.
