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Rays Add 440-Save Closer Craig Kimbrel to Bullpen

5/27/2026

Summary

Kimbrel Joins Rays

The Tampa Bay Rays signed right-hander Craig Kimbrel to a major-league contract on May 26, 2026, after placing Jesse Scholtens on the 15-day injured list with a wrist strain.
Kimbrel, designated for assignment by the New York Mets after a 6.00 ERA in 15 innings, joins the Rays' bullpen.
At 38, he holds a career 2.65 ERA with 440 saves—the fifth-most in MLB history—and a nine-time All-Star résumé.

Summary

Rays Bolster Bullpen

The Rays will run a $103 million payroll in 2026, the 24th-largest in MLB, reflecting their low-cost, high-value acquisition strategy.
Tampa Bay’s reputation for maximizing player value via its development pipeline is noted as they add the veteran reliever to an analytically driven bullpen.
Baseball Savant data shows Kimbrel’s fastball velocity slipped to 93.6 mph, opponent exit velocity was 86.8 mph, and he posted a 34.7 % strike-out rate in limited 2025 appearances.

Summary

Mets Call-Up

The Mets called up top prospect Jonah Tong and designated Craig Kimbrel for assignment.
The Mets’ youth movement has promoted several prospects to the majors this season.
The Mets have lost four straight games and remain below .500 despite the influx of young arms.
Managers say the bullpen lacks reliable late-inning options, prompting front office to expect remaining relievers to step up as the club rebuilds away from veteran contracts.

History

Historical Context

MLB awarded Tampa Bay a franchise on March 9 1995, charging a $130 million fee and $5 million annual central-fund contributions through 2002; the Devil Rays began play in 1998 with one of the league’s lowest payrolls and rebranded as the Rays in 2008. By 2026 the club’s analytics-driven, low-cost model led it to sign 38-year-old reliever Craig Kimbrel after his 6.00 ERA with the Mets.

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Kimbrel Joins Rays

The Tampa Bay Rays signed right-hander Craig Kimbrel to a major-league contract on May 26, 2026, after placing Jesse Scholtens on the 15-day injured list with a wrist strain.
Kimbrel, designated for assignment by the New York Mets after a 6.00 ERA in 15 innings, joins the Rays' bullpen.
At 38, he holds a career 2.65 ERA with 440 saves—the fifth-most in MLB history—and a nine-time All-Star résumé.

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