MLB rumors: Could Craig Kimbrel look at Twins as free-agent options narrow?

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The Philadelphia Phillies dominated the MLB headlines Thursday when they reportedly agreed to a 13-year, $330 million contract with free-agent outfielder Bryce Harper.

While it's not out of the question that Philly could still add one of the other top free agents on the market, the chances of closer Craig Kimbrel making his way to Citizens Bank Park probably have dwindled as a result of Harper's monster contract.

The options for Kimbrel, the top relief pitcher on the market, appear to be narrowing further. One interesting fit could be the Minnesota Twins, who according to The Athletic's Jim Bowden, have stayed in touch with Kimbrel's agent.

This isn't the first time the Twins have been linked to Kimbrel -- MLB Network's Jon Heyman mentioned Minnesota as a possible destination for the closer back in January. 

The Twins ranked 10th out of 15 American League teams with a 4.45 bullpen ERA in 2018. Minnesota's bullpen also ranked 11th in saves, 12th in batting average against and ninth in walks. There's certainly room for improvement in that group, and Kimbrel still is a top-tier reliever.

Kimbrel tallied 42 saves with a 2.74 ERA, a 0.99 WHIP, 96 strikeouts and 31 walks over 62 1/3 innings for the World Series champion Red Sox last season.

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