I still say there is a good chance of keeping Kimbrel.
Has anyone considered what teams would be in the market for him? Also, how many teams can go 5/90 or whatever for any players, much less a player who plays 60-70 innings?
I would assume that most of the "Haves", the teams in major markets, all have an effective closer. Why would they want to jump horses? How many teams with smaller payrolls
will show serious interest in him?
I just thinks that MAYBE the market for a premium closer is not as robust as we assume it to be in these conversations.
I think that he can be secured by a deal for say, 3/48 -4/60 or so.
This is all just my OPINION.
A good negotiator could get this done if the approach to Kimbrel is done well.
DD and company may be proficient in their jobs but I have seen very little if any of good negotiating.