Overview
- Sources report Tuesday that the Rays reached a major-league agreement with veteran reliever Craig Kimbrel after he became a free agent by refusing a minor-league assignment from the New York Mets.
- Kimbrel was designated for assignment by the Mets after posting a 6.00 ERA in 14 appearances and 15 innings this season, and he cleared waivers before electing free agency.
- Tampa Bay is adding Kimbrel because its bullpen ranks poorly in run prevention, sitting 21st in bullpen ERA even though the team leads the American League East.
- The signing is presented as a headline addition rather than a guaranteed fix because Kimbrel, 37, has shown uneven results in recent years, including a high WHIP in limited 2025 work and fluctuating seasonal ERAs.
- Kimbrel’s résumé includes Rookie of the Year honors, a World Series title and nine All-Star selections, and the roster move illustrates how teams can use veteran relievers on short-term deals to try to stabilize late innings.