The Red Sox have made a one-year, $17.9 qualifying offer to closer Craig Kimbrel ahead of today's 5 p.m. deadline, according to a source.
If Kimbrel, who turns 31 in May, declines the qualifying offer and becomes a free agent, the Red Sox would receive draft pick compensation if he signs elsewhere. He made $13.5 million this past season in the final year of his contract.
Jon Heyman of MLB Network and FanCred.com reports there's no chance of Kimbrel accepting the offer as he prefers a longer-term deal.
He had 42 saves but had a career-high 31 walks and struggled somewhat late in the season and in the postseason, where he had a 5.90 ERA and several shaky saves among his five he totaled in the Division Series, ALCS and World Series.
Boston Red Sox
Find the latest Boston Red Sox news, highlights, analysis and more with NBC Sports Boston.
Click here to download the new MyTeams App by NBC Sports! Receive comprehensive coverage of your teams and stream the Celtics easily on your device.
