Dodgers: Craig Kimbrel Sounds Excited to Join a Good Bullpen

Even before the trade this week, the Dodgers were lining up to have a pretty decent bullpen. The losses of Joe Kelly and Kenley Jansen hurt a little less with the addition of a few key names. They got guys like Daniel Hudson and Tyler Anderson via free agency, but payers returning from injuries will be huge. 

That would include Tommy Kahnle and Caleb Ferguson, who will not be ready by Opening Day. They will also add Danny Duffy into the mix more towards Summer as he recovers from surgery. But the addition of Craig Kimbrel really takes them to the next level. 

The Dodgers got Kimbrel into camp on the same day that the trade went through. Speaking with members of the media upon his arrival, Kimbrel stressed just how good this bullpen already was. Getting him into the mix doesn’t necessarily make him the closer, but there is a good shot. (quote via The Athletic’s Fabian Ardaya)

“You have guys that can do all kinds of different stuff. You got guys throwing 100 (mph) upshoot, you got guys that throw 100 going down. You name it. Any kind of arsenal there is, it seems like it’s over here.”

Kimbrel joins a few high-powered arms at the backend of the bullpen. That includes Brusdar Graterol and Blake Treinen, among others. The way they currently stack up, the Dodgers could very well have one of the better bullpens in the NL West, if not the entire league.

Dodgers Related: How Kimbrel Fits Into the Bullpen Picture

Will he close games? That remains to be seen right now. Doc has said that the Dodgers do not want a designated closer for the 2022 season. But adding Kimbrel into the equation could change things up for them. 

Looking for more Dodgers News? Subscribe to our YouTube Channel! Subscribe and hit that notification bell to stay up to date on all the latest news, updates, rumors, interviews, live streams, and more!

NEXT: Dave Roberts Admits the Team Ran Out of Steam in 2021