The Tampa Bay Rays have reached an agreement on a major-league contract with veteran reliever Craig Kimbrel, according to a report from Ken Rosenthal of The Athletic.
Kimbrel became a free agent earlier this week after refusing a minor-league assignment with the New York Mets. By securing a major-league deal with Tampa Bay, the veteran right-hander returns to a big-league roster as the Rays look to bolster their bullpen depth for the 2026 season.
A nine-time All-Star, Kimbrel brings significant late-inning experience to the Rays' pitching staff. While his recent tenure with the Mets was brief, he remains one of the most prolific closers in MLB history. The Rays have a long-standing reputation for successfully integrating veteran relievers into their system, making this a notable addition for the American League East contender.
The specific financial terms and duration of the contract have not yet been disclosed by the team. Kimbrel is expected to join the active roster once the deal is finalized and he passes a physical.
This is a developing story. Check back for updates.
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