Trade Rumor: Blue Jays In Discussions For Craig Kimbrel & Another Elite Closer

The Toronto Blue Jays have been active in the past couple of weeks, slowly filling in some pieces of the puzzle to repair a very leaky bullpen. Now comes word that they are looking to acquire at least one of a couple of very high-end closers.

Sportsnet's Arash Madani is reporting that the Jays are in discussions about Chicago Cubs closer Craig Kimbrel, as well as the Pittsburgh Pirates' Richard Rodriguez. 

Kimbrel has re-ignited his career this year, with 20 saves and a 0.59 ERA. The Cubs, however, are in a major swoon, that began in June. They have now lost 11 straight games, their longest losing streak in 11 years, which has them plummeting down the NL Central standings. They sit in 4th place, 9 games back. 

All of this adds more fuel to the fire of rumors that they will be trading Kimbrel by the deadline. And the Blue Jays are hoping to pounce. Kimbrel will be costly though, not only in trade pieces, but he is also owed $16 million in 2022 on the final year of his contract. 

A much more economical option is Richard Rodriguez of the Pirates. He is under team control through 2023, a factor the Blue Jays covet, and is only earning $1.7 million this season. He is having a breakout year, with 11 saves and a 2.43 ERA.

Rodriguez has been talked about as a top relief trade candidate for some time now, as the Pirates will undoubtedly not be in contention within his controllable time frame. 

Toronto general manager Ross Atkins is seemingly not done trying to improve the Blue Jays' bullpen, with some big moves possibly still to come.

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