Dombrowski: Red Sox don't anticipate spending large on closer

Although the Boston Red Sox have done an admirable job of keeping their World Series-winning club together this offseason, the team might not be able to afford closer Craig Kimbrel.

With Boston expected to enter 2019 with the highest payroll in baseball, Red Sox president of baseball operations Dave Dombrowski recently indicated they're unlikely to bring back the All-Star closer unless his price tag drops.

"Craig did a great job for us, he’s a Hall of Fame reliever," Dombrowski told Bob Nightengale of USA TODAY Sports. "But we have not anticipated having a large expenditure for a closer."

The Red Sox haven't given up on their pursuit of Kimbrel and are apparently waiting on him before making other bullpen moves, but he's reportedly seeking a deal worth more than $100 million.

As per usual, Kimbrel was one of baseball's most effective closers last season, but his 2.74 ERA was the second highest of his career while his walk rate rose to 4.5 per nine innings.

He also struggled in the postseason, allowing nine hits and seven earned runs across 10 2/3 innings.