Manager Tony La Russa said Saturday that he expects Kimbrel to be on the White Sox's Opening Day roster, Scott Merkin of MLB.com reports.
Kimbrel's team option for the 2022 season was picked up in early November, but he's still been a popular name in trade rumors during the offseason. After joining the White Sox prior to the trade deadline, the right-hander converted just one of four save opportunities with seven holds while posting a 5.09 ERA and 1.22 WHIP in 23 innings across 24 appearances. However, Kimbrel was electric with the Cubs earlier in the year, converting 23 of 25 save chances with a 0.49 ERA and 0.71 WHIP in 36.2 innings. Despite his late-season struggles in 2021, Kimbrel would likely have plenty of job security as another team's closer if the White Sox end up trading him.