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Phillies rumor: Industry feeling is they sign Craig Kimbrel

By George Stockburger

ST PETERSBURG, FL - MAY 22: Craig Kimbrel #46 of the Boston Red Sox pitches in the ninth inning during a game against the Tampa Bay Rays at Tropicana Field on May 22, 2018 in St Petersburg, Florida. (Photo by Mike Ehrmann/Getty Images)
ST PETERSBURG, FL - MAY 22: Craig Kimbrel #46 of the Boston Red Sox pitches in the ninth inning during a game against the Tampa Bay Rays at Tropicana Field on May 22, 2018 in St Petersburg, Florida. (Photo by Mike Ehrmann/Getty Images) /
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An MLB insider laid out a big Phillies rumor on Friday

Richard Justice of MLB.com snuck in a Phillies rumor that a lot of people missed on Friday involving a potential bullpen addition for the Phillies.

In a segment on MLB Network, Justice said the Phillies are considered by many in the industry to be the favorite to sign closer Craig Kimbrel.

Here’s what Justice had to say when asked about Kimbrel’s free agency:

"I think inside the industry the feeling is the Phillies are going to sign Craig Kimbrel… the industry says the Phillies, but never count out the Red Sox."

This isn’t the first time Philadelphia has been connected to Kimbrel in an offseason where they’ve been linked to nearly every star free agent.

Two months ago Justice’s colleague Jon Morosi connected the Phillies to the all-star closer, who ranks 14th on the all-time saves list at age 30.

Kimbrel reportedly wants a six-year contract, but the way Matt Klentak is working this offseason that’s unlikely. He reportedly won’t give Dallas Keuchel a five-year deal and was unwilling to add extra years on deals for Patrick Corbin and J.A. Happ.

More from Phillies Rumors

The Phillies could use a veteran closer after having nine players earn a save last year. Jonathan Papelbon is the last big-time closer the team added in free agency and Ken Giles was a one-year wonder before being traded to Houston.

Many would love to see Seranthony Dominguez turn into the long-term closer, but he struggled to pitch in back to back games.

Philadelphia has added Juan Nicasio, James Pazos, and Jose Alvarez to their bullpen but neither are considered major additions. Having those three certainly helps a bullpen that struggled at times last year and shined midway through the season.

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