Craig Kimbrel and Dallas Keuchel are both expected to sign as soon as midnight next Tuesday when they will officially be free of draft pick compensation. The Atlanta Braves may be a team to keep an eye on in regards to both but particularly Kimbrel. Atlanta GM Alex Anthopoulos discussed the team’s bullpen situation Sunday with MLB Network Radio’s Jim Bowden.
Alex Anthopoulus #Braves GM just made it clear to us that they have real interest in both Kimbrel and Keuchel and are doing their homework on them…obviously they’re interest is without giving up the draft pick and are definitely a team to watch esp w/ Kimbrel….after the draft
— Jim Bowden (@JimBowdenGM) May 26, 2025
Both Kimbrel’s and Keuchel’s market will change considerably once the draft pick compensation is lifted so the Braves will likely be just one of many teams interested. Thus far, Anthopoulos has shown restraint in investing long term money into any free agent so there is a possibility that the Braves could come up short for a guy like Kimbrel. Still, if he is willing to sign a shorter one or two year deal, then it seems to be a good pairing even as he showed signs of slowing down at the end of last season.
Alex Anthopoulos knows that the Braves need to address their bullpen.
— MLB Network Radio on SiriusXM (@MLBNetworkRadio) May 26, 2025
He also knows Craig Kimbrel is still a free agent. #Braves | #ChopOn pic.twitter.com/bdmFBAXBNg
If Kimbrel does go elsewhere, the bullpen is still a situation that the Braves and Anthopoulos will have to address at some point. The team brought in Anthony Swarzak last week but for the most part have leaned on internal options. They will likely need more than that if they hope to secure their spot in the playoffs for the second straight season.
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