Craig Kimbrel

As a whole, Kimbrel's 2020 numbers were abysmal. A 5.28 ERA, a 1.43 WHIP, and a walk rate of 17.4%. And yet, there were some encouraging signs. Not only did his strikeout rate bounce back to 40.6%, but he was actually an elite pitcher after his first four outings. How elite? He pitched to a 1.42 ERA and a 0.87 WHIP, and stuck out 53.1% of the batters he faced. It wasn't perfect, as Kimbrel still walked five batters per nine innings over that stretch. But he showed that he still has some has left in the tank. Although he never reclaimed the closer's job despite his strong finish, it's a good bet that the Cubs hand him the ninth-inning role to start, as they try to rebuild his trade value in the final year of his deal. That means Kimbrel should at least get save chances for the first several weeks of the season, and, as such, should be drafted as low-end second closer with just a modicum of upside.

Craig Kimbrel strikes out two Saturday

Craig Kimbrel pitched the eighth inning of Saturday's game against the White Sox, not allowing a base runner and striking out two. The Cubs lost, 9-5.

Fantasy Impact

Kimbrel appears to be all the way back from his struggles earlier this year. Assuming he doesn't pitch Sunday, he finished 2020 with a 5.28 ERA, 1.43 WHIP, two saves, and 28 strikeouts in 15 and 1/3 innings.