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MLB rumors: Craig Kimbrel drawing interest from <\/a>Nationals<\/a>, Braves<\/a> as season nears originally appeared on nbcsportsboston.com<\/a><\/p>\n Craig Kimbrel is still unsigned on the MLB’s free agent market with spring training well underway for all 30 teams, but there are a few potential landing spots for the 30-year-old relief pitcher ahead of the 2019 season.<\/p>\n The former Boston Red Sox<\/a> closer is drawing interest from two National League East teams, per The Athletic’s Ken Rosenthal<\/a>.<\/p>\n But the Nats, according to major-league sources, maintain interest in signing free-agent closer Craig Kimbrel, a move that would cap off their efforts to construct a powerhouse bullpen and further escalate the competition in the NL East.<\/p>\n The Braves also are exploring Kimbrel, who is entering his age 31 season, but reportedly only on a shorter deal.\u00a0<\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n The Nationals just lost star outfielder\u00a0Bryce Harper<\/a> to the Philadelphia Phillies<\/a>, and the Braves have yet to make substantial upgrades to their\u00a0pitching staff after winning the NL East in 2018.<\/p>\n Atlanta’s bullpen ranked 10th in\u00a0the National League in ERA, eighth in strikeouts, seventh in batting average against and allowed the second-most walks last year. Kimbrel would give them a veteran presence at the back end of the bullpen with valuable playoff experience.<\/p>\n Washington’s bullpen was fairly average statistically in 2018, too, and certainly could use someone like Kimbrel to close games in what should be a very competitive NL East this season.<\/p>\n The Minnesota Twins<\/a> are another team to watch in the\u00a0Kimbrel market as\u00a0they reportedly have stayed in touch with his agent<\/a>.<\/p>\n Kimbrel tallied 42 saves with a 2.74 ERA, a 0.99 WHIP and 96 strikeouts over 62 1\/3 innings for the World Series champion Red Sox\u00a0last season.<\/p>\n\n