Originally Posted by
notin
Possible. And likely, assuming Darvish or the declining Arrieta are still unsigned.
Also possible there is an "outside the box" solution we have not thought of. Like signing Wade Davis and trading Kimbrel.
The big issue is obvious. Teams interested in Kimbrel are clearly trying to win immediately and therefore less likely to give up the pitcher or hitter the Sox want, so it could wind up as a complicated three team scenario.
Or the Sox could sign Davis and just have a monster bullpen. While Davis undoubtedly wants a closing job, if he was paid closer money, he might not mind doing set up work for one season and assuming the closer role after Kimbrel leaves via free agency.
In some respects, this is a lot smarter than signing a starter. Closers and relievers typically hold their value longer than starters as pitchers enter their 30s...