Possible, but I think it's more likely this: Stearns: Hey, since no one is offering you a multi-year deal, we’d be willing to give you this high AAV deal for 1-2 years Kimbrel’s agent: He's the best, most proven closer in MLB and there's no way we're not asking for and getting at least a 4 year deal. I think it ends there, and that's where we are. Kimbrel's camp will continue to find other teams that will offer a long-term deal, and keep pushing the Brewers, Braves, etc. for this as well. Eventually, if no one blinks, they'll come back looking for mas money on a one year deal. Could be wrong, but that's what I think is going on. Knebel/Jeffress situation doesn't help, but that doesn't change their demand for multiple years, and the Brewers/Braves unwilling to offer that. Because that doesn't change before, during, after the Knebel/Jeffress news.