If nothing else, the market for free-agent relievers has started to pick up within the past few days. Veteran righties Brandon Morrow (Cubs), Luke Gregerson (Cardinals) and Pat Neshek (Phillies) have all signed two-year contracts within the last 48 hours or so.
The next free-agent reliever to sign? It could be former Twins closer and Nationals setup man Brandon Kintzler. He is reportedly drawing interest from the Twins, Nationals, Cubs, Diamondbacks and Rangers.
The #Twins, #Dbacks, #Nationals, #Rangers and #Cubs are among the clubs monitoring Brandon Kintzler’s market. #Cubs could divvy up their save opportunities if Wade Davis moves on. Kintzler is probably looking at a 2-year deal.
— Jerry Crasnick (@jcrasnick) December 11, 2017
The 33-year-old Kintzler bounced around for several years before finding success with Minnesota last season, when he took over as closer. From 2016-17, Kintzler threw 125 2/3 innings with a 3.08 ERA (142 ERA+) and a 1.19 WHIP. What he lacked in strikeouts (5.3 K/9) he made up for with ground balls (58.0 percent). The Twins traded Kintzler to the Nationals for prospects at this year's deadline.
The market for a non-elite reliever has been established at two years and $7 million to $10 million per year already this offseason, and that's what Kintzler is likely to receive. Considering he's banked only $5.9 million in his career to date, that sounds like a pretty excellent payday for the late bloomer. The reliever market is starting to move quick, and Kintzler may choose his next team soon.
