Performance vs. salary obligations and track record is always a hot debate in MLB.
The Los Angeles Dodgers are about to live it with relief pitcher Craig Kimbrel.
He is making $16 million this season and is a former All-Star closer, currently handling ninth-inning duties for the best team in baseball.
His season performance, however, does not warrant such a prized role.
He has a 4.57 ERA and a 1.55 WHIP in 41.1 innings.
Dodgers insider Blake Harris has a strong take about what the team should do with him come playoff time.
“Not only should Craig Kimbrel be nowhere near the mound in the 9th inning come October, there’s a legitimate case he shouldn’t be on the postseason roster Assuming everyone is healthy, he’s probably the 14th or 15th best option on the pitching staff,” he tweeted.
Not only should Craig Kimbrel be nowhere near the mound in the 9th inning come October, there’s a legitimate case he shouldn’t be on the postseason roster
Assuming everyone is healthy, he’s probably the 14th or 15th best option on the pitching staff
— Blake Harris (@BlakeHarrisTBLA) August 17, 2022
Kimbrel’s Postseason Spot Is In Jeopardy
Rough words, but filled with truth.
The Dodgers certainly have much respect for what Kimbrel, a former shutdown pitcher, has achieved in baseball.
However, if they want to maximize their chances of winning (and believe us when we say they do), they will be better off without him.
Trusting him right now is a risky proposition.
He has allowed runs in four of his last five appearances, and looks like a shell of himself.
Time passes by for everybody, and he is 34 years old.
Perhaps it’s time the Dodgers try him in a low-leverage role to see if he can still be an effective pitcher without the stress of the ninth inning.
If he can’t, they might as well leave him off the postseason roster, because if there is something the Dodgers excel at is at developing and improving relievers.
NEXT: The Dodgers Are The Team To Beat In The National League