Werner: Kimbrel 'extremely unlikely' to rejoin Sox
Former Boston All-Star still free agent; team doesn't plan to spend big on closing arm
FORT MYERS, Fla. -- The Red Sox still haven't named a closer. Craig Kimbrel still hasn't found a home on the free-agent market.
However, Red Sox chairman Tom Werner suggests not to read too much into those two independent factors.
Chances that the club will re-sign their All-Star closer of the past three seasons?
"I think it's extremely unlikely," Werner said.
Though Kimbrel went into the winter as arguably the most accomplished closer on the market, it has yet to add up to him finding a job.
Other quality relievers such as Andrew Miller, Adam Ottavino, David Robertson, Cody Allen and Zack Britton have signed.
When the offseason started, reports surfaced that Kimbrel was seeking a deal of five or six years and more than $100 million.
Given that he has not yet landed a deal, there's been speculation that perhaps a short-term reunion with the Red Sox could happen.
But Red Sox president of baseball operations Dave Dombrowski has steadfastly maintained the team doesn't plan on making a big expenditure at closer.
Boston should have an internal competition for the closer's spot this spring which will include Matt Barnes, Ryan Brasier, Tyler Thornburg and perhaps a few others.