What will the Cubs Get in Return from the Craig Kimbrel Trade? Why did the White Sox decide to trade for the 8-Time All-Star Closer?
Hello Everyone! Welcome to Sports Teller! Today, we will be going over the Cubs Send Craig Kimbrel to White Sox in 3-Player Deal. In fact, we will be going over the career profiles for each of the players involved in the trade. Without further adieu, let’s begin!
Cubs Send Craig Kimbrel to White Sox in 3-Player Deal
Craig Kimbrel, 8-Time All-Star, Traded to White Sox in 3-Player Deal
Not long before 2021 MLB Trade Deadline (Friday, July 30) expired, it appears that one lucky team will be getting a star closer. Bleacher Nation Chicago Insider Michael Cerami first reported that the Chicago Cubs have traded Relief RHP Craig Kimbrel to the Chicago White Sox. According to Bob Nightengale (USA Today), the Cubs will be receiving the following in return from their crosstown rival: INF Nick Madrigal and Relief RHP Codi Heuer.
Why Did the Cubs Trade Craig Kimbrel?
Chicago (NL) decided to trade the 8-Time-All-Star due the team becoming sellers at the trade deadline. The Cubs traded 3B Kris Bryant to the Giants, 2B Javier Baez to the Mets, 1B Anthony Rizzo to the Yankees, and Reliever Andrew Chafin to the Athletics. Also, Kimbrel will hit the free agent market following the 2021 season. The Cubs are currently in 4th place in the NL Central Division with a 52-58 record. Therefore, Chicago decided to trade Kimbrel to get something in return instead of losing him for nothing via free agency.
Why Did the White Sox Acquire Craig Kimbrel?
Chicago (AL) decided to trade for Kimbrel to bolster its bullpen. Another reason for the acquisition is that the White Sox are looking to hang on to their division lead. In fact, Chicago is leading the AL Central Division by 9.5 games over the Cleveland Indians. With Craig Kimbrel now in the fold for the White Sox, the former Cubs Closer will join the lineup consisting of the following: Liam Hendriks, Ryan Tepera, and Michael Kopech.
What Was His Tenure with Chicago (NL) Like?
Craig Kimbrel joined the Cubs in 2019 after spending the previous three seasons with the Boston Red Sox (2016-2018). He was an All-Star in 2021 and led the Cubbies to a playoff berth in 2020. For the 2021 season with the Cubs, Kimbrel made 23 saves with a 0.49 E.R.A. and 64 Strikeouts.
The Players Involved in the 2021 Mid-Season Trade
White Sox Receive (1 Player)
- Selected in the 3rd Round by Braves (out of Community College) in the 2008 Draft
- Made MLB Debut for Atlanta in 2010
- Played for Braves (2010-2014), Padres (2015), Red Sox (2016-2018), and Cubs (2019-2021)
- 2018 World Series Champion with Boston
- 2011 NL Rookie of the Year Winner with Atlanta
- 8-Time All-Star
- 7 Playoff Appearances with Braves, Red Sox, and Cubs
- Career Postseason Stats: 7 Saves with 3.68 E.R.A. and 27 Strikeouts
- 371 MLB Saves
- 33-27 MLB Record
- 2.06 MLB E.R.A.
- 992 MLB Strikeouts
Cubs Receive (2 Players)
- Selected in the 1st Round (4th Overall) by White Sox (out of Oregon State) in the 2018 MLB Draft
- Made MLB Debut for White Sox in 2020
- 1 Playoff Appearance for CWS in 2020
- 0.317 MLB Batting Average
- 2 MLB Home Runs
- 32 MLB RBIs
- Selected in the 6th Round by White Sox (out of Wichita State) in the 2018 Draft
- Made MLB Debut for CWS in 2020
- 1 Playoff Appearance for White Sox in 2020
- 1 MLB Save
- 7-1 MLB Record
- 3.58 MLB E.R.A.
- 64 MLB Strikeouts
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