WASHINGTON, DC - MAY 20: Craig Kimbrel #46 of the New York Mets pitches during the eighth inning against the Washington Nationals at Nationals Park on May 20, 2026 in Washington, DC.

Report: Rays sign Kimbrel to major-league deal

3 hours ago
Scott Taetsch / Getty Images Sport / Getty

The Tampa Bay Rays and reliever Craig Kimbrel agreed to a major-league contract, a source told The Athletic's Ken Rosenthal.

Kimbrel signed with the New York Mets in January, but he elected to become a free agent after the team designated him for assignment last week.

He struggled during his brief stint with the Mets, recording a 6.00 ERA across 15 innings. He surrendered 16 hits, 10 earned runs, and six walks, though he did still strike out 15.

Kimbrel turns 38 on May 28 and owns a career 2.65 ERA with 440 saves, fifth most in MLB history. He's a nine-time All-Star, most recently in 2023 as a member of the Philadelphia Phillies.

The 34-17 Rays are first in the AL East with a 3.5-game lead on the New York Yankees entering play Tuesday.

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