Opening Day is on the horizon, and one of the greatest closers in the modern era remains unsigned. That's right, Craig Kimbrel is still unemployed.

The 30-year-old notched 42 saves and won a World Series with the Boston Red Sox last season, but he also struggled mightily. Kimbrel allowed seven runs in just over 10 innings of work in the postseason, and nearly blew a pair of crucial save chances in the ALCS against the Houston Astros.

Given his lackluster October and his role as a specialist, Kimbrel's demands for a six-year contract were slightly confusing, if not downright off-putting.

Initially, it seemed that the Red Sox would be the favorites to re-sign Kimbrel because of their lack of bullpen depth and the unproductive nature of the postseason innings from that unit. But Dave Dombrowski has repeatedly indicated that he feels comfortable with the current crop of arms in the bullpen, and they seem to have their roster set in defending their World Series title.

So, the team that appeared to be frontrunners are no longer in the picture, and Kimbrel's market has soured due to the demands of a long-term deal. The question is, now what?

Teams don't want the most dominant closer of this era… and maybe ever?

Despite the stigma surrounding Kimbrel's performance in October, he has the most saves since 2011. In fact, Kimbrel has nearly 100 more saves than Aroldis Chapman–who is second–in that timeframe. Kimbrel is also just two saves behind active leader Fernando Rodney despite playing seven fewer seasons.

As if that does not seem dominant enough, Kimbrel has the highest ERA+ (211) of all time among relievers. And with a 14.7 career K/9, Kimbrel has the power stuff to get crucial outs whenever necessary.

Plenty of teams–including the Braves, Nationals, Twins and Cubs–could use Kimbrel's services. But these teams do not seem willing to pony up for a closer.

It does not help that Kimbrel conceded a career-high 1.0 HR/9 while also posting a 4.5 BB/9 that also coincided with a drop in strikeouts.

That said, even at his most erratic, Kimbrel has proven to be one of the best relievers in all of baseball. The problem is that the closer role is prone to inconsistency and typically not worth a six-year investment, especially for a pitcher already entering his age-31 season.

The other issue is that the team that signs Kimbrel would lose a draft pick as compensation.

Let's fix these problems.

Take a one-year deal at a higher AAV

At the beginning of February, there were rumors that Kimbrel was beginning to soften on his demands for a long-term deal for a possible return to the Braves:

RECOMMENDED (Article Continues Below)
Twins Angels Predictions

Jake Faigus ·

Guardians Braves prediction

Jake Faigus ·

Nationals Marlins prediction, pick, how to watch

Jake Faigus ·

Similarly, Ken Rosenthal of The Athletic  wrote about the potential for Kimbrel to sit out until June–after the amateur draft–before signing a contract, thereby shedding the draft pick compensation attached to his name.

And, quite frankly, this is the option that still makes the most sense for Kimbrel. Not only will teams consider going over the luxury tax this season on a one-year deal for Kimbrel, but also he can still accrue a higher annual value because he will be available for nearly a full year for possible contenders.

Obviously, the goal for Kimbrel would be to secure a deal before Opening Day, ideally at a higher guaranteed value than Chapman and Kenley Jansen. But even the teams with distinct bullpen needs are refusing to bite the bullet on offering Kimbrel a longer deal, although plenty of clubs have flirted with signing him.

So–for Kimbrel–why not wait until June and cash out for this season while quashing doubts about your abilities on a contending team, and then enter free agency again in 2020? Sure he will be a year older, but if he proves his worth, he could still stand to get a lengthier deal at a record AAV for any reliever.

Seems like Kimbrel should bet on himself here.