92.9 the Game’s host of the Scouts Honor Podcast, Paul Crane, has thrown out several rumors from “sources” this offseason. The most recent involves the Braves and their former star closer Craig Kimbrel.
Our anchor, and host of the @ScoutsHonorPod, @PaulCrane7 is hearing rumblings that the #Braves & Craig Kimbrel might be looking into a one-year deal. No other details at this moment; Paul's got his ear to the ground on this one.
— 92.9 The Game (@929TheGame) February 20, 2019
Once viewed as a longshot, the interest surrounding Kimbrel and a reunion with his former team is at an all-time high. Less than a week ago, Tug Cowart of 680 The Fan, reported that he had heard from sources that Kimbrel to the Braves was becoming very close to reality.
Just got some information from a source I trust greatly, who is very close to the team saying the #Braves Craig Kimbrel deal is really close to being a reality pic.twitter.com/8WpLECCwUV
— Tug Cowart (@TugCowart) February 15, 2019
Neither Crane or Cowart are typically relied on to report Braves news, but the flow of information does not always follow the same path, specifically when talking about the MLB hot stove.
However, it also should be noted that Crane has been flooding the Twittersphere with rumors as of late, and most of them have not come to fruition.
Recently, he has said Enes Kanter was planning on signing with the Celtics (he signed with the Trail Blazers). He also hinted the Padres were moving on from Machado and focusing on Harper. Of course, San Diego inked a 10-year, $300 million contract with Machado yesterday. So it seems like a lot of this stuff he is throwing at a wall and hoping it sticks.
Just last week, the AJC’s Gabe Burns and several other Atlanta journalists reiterated that the Braves have not been in talks with Kimbrel, and a deal remains a longshot.
Regardless of the back and forth, Kimbrel remains unsigned, and it is clear his market isn’t anywhere where he expected it to be coming off one of the shakiest years of his career. A one-year deal where he dominated to begin his career may be exactly what he needs to receive the long-term, lucrative offer he is looking for next offseason.