Nine-time All-Star Craig Kimbrel returns to AL East in free agency
· Yahoo Sports
Free agent pitcher Craig Kimbrel and the Tampa Bay Rays are in agreement on a minor league contract, according to Ken Rosenthal of The Athletic.
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Kimbrel, a nine-time All-Star closer, was not a free agent for long. He was designated for assignment by the New York Mets on May 22, after starting the season 0-2 with a 6.00 ERA in 14 appearances.
Now he’ll head back to the American League East for the first time since his tenure with the Baltimore Orioles in 2024. He also pitched for the Boston Red Sox from 2016-18.
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Kimbrel is fifth on MLB‘s career saves list, with 440.
The Rays don’t have any relievers approaching Kimbrel’s experience in the closer’s role. Bryan Baker has 14 saves in 17 opportunities. Six other pitchers have at least one save for the Rays, who lead the American League East at 34-17.
It’s unclear where in the pecking order Kimbrel will slot in. Griffin Jax has transitioned from the bullpen to the rotation, leaving manager Kevin Cash down a high-leverage reliever.
More to come on this story.