Kimbrel, who officially signed with the Cubs on Friday, is roughly two or three weeks away from being ready to join the big-league roster, Jordan Bastian of MLB.com reports.

EDGE Analysis

Kimbrel is understandably not ready to be thrown right into big-league action after enduring a seven-month offseason. He'll throw a bullpen session in Chicago on Saturday before heading to the team's spring training facility in Arizona. He'll be officially optioned to Triple-A Iowa for that period and could throw some tune-up innings at that level before taking over as the Cubs' closer.

Kimbrel agreed to sign a contract with the Cubs on Wednesday, Ken Rosenthal of The Athletic reports.

EDGE Analysis

It was reported earlier Wednesday that the Cubs were "pushing hard" for Kimbrel now that he's no longer tied to draft-pick compensation, and it didn't take long for the two sides to reach an agreement. The Cubs have already blown 11 saves this season, so the addition of the veteran right-hander will be a welcome sight to the north side of Chicago. According to Jeff Passan of ESPN.com, the agreement is a three-year deal worth about $43 million and includes a fourth-year option. Kimbrel will likely require a bit of time before joining the team, but Passan indicates he could do so by June 20.

The Cubs are "pushing hard" for Kimbrel, Ken Rosenthal of The Athletic reports.

EDGE Analysis

The market for Kimbrel is starting to heat up now that he's no longer tied to draft-pick compensation, and the Cubs apparently have money to spend with Ben Zobrist (personal) currently on the restricted list -- if the utility man doesn't return this season, it would save the Cubs more than $9 million. The Cubs have primarily used Pedro Strop and Steve Cishek in the ninth inning this season while Brandon Morrow (elbow) works his way back from an elbow injury. Kimbrel would represent a step up from all three, lending credence to the Cubs' reportedly high level of interest.

Kimbrel will no longer bring a draft-compensation penalty to whichever team signs him, Mark Feinsand of MLB.com reports.

EDGE Analysis

The start of the MLB first-year player draft Monday brought an end to any potential draft-compensation penalties, increasing the likelihood Kimbrel will sign in the near future. The 31-year-old was seeking a five- or six-year deal this offseason, but according to Feinsand is now looking for a three-year contract in the range of $15 million to $17 million per year. Numerous contending teams have reported interest, including the Twins, Braves, Brewers, Phillies, Rays, Red Sox and Cubs.

Kimbrel reportedly has dropped his asking price both in terms of years and dollars, Ken Rosenthal of The Athletic reports.

EDGE Analysis

Kimbrel had been rumored to be seeking a six-year, $120 million deal this offseason, but is supposedly now seeking something closer to three years.

The Brewers are talking with Kimbrel, Ken Rosenthal of The Athletic and Robert Murray of The Athletic reports.

EDGE Analysis

There is nothing happening imminently with the two sides, but it appears the Brewers are at least doing their due diligence on the top remaining free agent with about a week to go before Opening Day.

Kimbrel's agent, David Meter, denied reports suggesting Kimbrel had threatened to sit out all season, saying, "Craig looks forward to signing a new contract in the near future," Ken Rosenthal of The Athletic reports.

EDGE Analysis

Threatening to sit out is one thing, though actually doing so is another. With even the threat now apparently off the table, it's safer to expect that Kimbrel will land somewhere prior to Opening Day.

Kimbrel's asking price has not come down, and the closer will consider sitting out the season if no team comes close to matching his demands, Jim Bowden of The Athletic reports.

EDGE Analysis

Kimbrel declined the Red Sox's qualifying offer in November and had good reason to think he'd sign a big deal as the top reliever on the market, but the offseason hasn't gone according to his plans. The fact that he's unsigned as spring games begin already hurts his chances to be available on Opening Day, but if he's really willing to sit out for most or all of the season it would certainly be a large hit to his fantasy value. Of course, the report could easily be nothing more than an attempt to regain some leverage in a tough market, so he could still sign somewhere soon.

Kimbrel declined the Red Sox's one-year, $17.9 million qualifying offer and became a free agent Monday, Chris Cotillo of MassLive.com reports.

EDGE Analysis

This comes as no surprise, as Kimbrel is expected to command a healthy contract this offseason after putting together another All-Star campaign as Boston's closer. The 30-year-old finished the season with 42 saves, a 2.74 ERA, 1.00 WHIP and 96:31 K:BB across 62.1 innings for the World Series champions.

Kimbrel will receive the $17.9 million qualifying offer from the Red Sox on Friday, Jon Heyman of Fancred reports.

EDGE Analysis

As expected, Kimbrel will be issued the qualifying offer, which means he has 10 days to decide whether to accept the deal or head to the free-agent market. Across 63 regular-season appearances, Kimbrel logged a 2.74 ERA and 0.99 WHIP with 42 saves in 47 chances.