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Report: Rays signing veteran reliever Craig Kimbrel

By Thomson Reuters May 26, 2026 | 12:41 PM

The Tampa Bay Rays are in agreement with veteran reliever Craig ​Kimbrel on a major ‌league contract, The Athletic reported on Tuesday.

The nine-time All-Star right-hander became a free agent ‌when ​he refused a ⁠minor league ⁠assignment with the New York Mets, who designated him for assignment last week.

Kimbrel, ​who turns 38 on Thursday, had a 6.00 ⁠ERA in ⁠14 outings for the ​Mets. He struck out 15 ​batters in 15 innings ‌and did not record a save.

Kimbrel ranks fifth all-time with 440 career ⁠saves. He led the National League in saves in four straight ⁠seasons ‌with the Atlanta ⁠Braves, starting with his ​Rookie ‌of the Year campaign ​in ⁠2011. Overall, he is 56-50 with a 2.65 ERA in 865 career relief appearances with 10 teams.

–Field ​Level Media