Cubs ink closer Craig Kimbrel to three-year deal

It’s official. The Chicago Cubs have won the Craig Kimbrel sweepstakes.

The team announced that they have signed the veteran closer to a three-year, $43 million contract. This comes after being unsigned for more than two months to start the 2019 campaign largely due to the compensatory draft pick that had to be given up if they were signed him prior to the 2019 MLB Draft.

The 31-year old provides some much needed firepower for a struggling bullpen that is tied for third-worst in the majors with 11 blown saves this season.

Kimbrel has put up incredible numbers throughout his career. Through nine seasons and 542 regular season games split between the Atlanta Braves, San Diego Padres and Boston Red Sox, he has posted a combined 31-19 record, 1.91 ERA, 0.92 WHIP, 333 saves and a 90.7 save percentage to go along with his seven MLB All-Star appearances, two MLB Reliever of the Year Awards and a World Series title in 2018.