Report: Rays signing veteran reliever Craig Kimbrel

Field Level Media|published: 05/26/2026, 1:37pm EDT

Apr 28, 2026; New York City, New York, USA; New York Mets relief pitcher Craig Kimbrel (46) reacts after defeating the Washington Nationals 8-0 at Citi Field. Mandatory Credit: Wendell Cruz-Imagn Images

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