What's happened
The Rays have claimed veteran reliever Craig Kimbrel after he was designated for assignment by the Mets, then added minor league depth with outfielder Austin Slater. Kimbrel has posted 440 career saves and is seeking a late-career resurgence with Tampa Bay; Slater provides left-handed hitting depth at the minor league level.
What's behind the headline?
Key takeaways
- Kimbrel has signed a major-league deal with the Rays after being DFA’d by the Mets, marking his 11th team. This move aims to inject bullpen experience and late-game options for Tampa Bay.
- Slater provides minor-league depth and a veteran presence, though his 2026 numbers against lefties have slipped, leaving his upside more situational.
- The Rays’ bullpen ERA remains a concern, but the club has a history of reviving pitchers and finding late-career value.
What this means
- The Rays are signaling they will pursue immediate bullpen depth while evaluating Kimbrel’s fit in a high-leverage role as needed.
- For Kimbrel, the move offers another chance to reestablish form on a competitive club; results will determine if he sticks on a major-league roster.
How we got here
Kimbrel has moved through multiple teams in 2026, with the Mets designating him for assignment after a rough stretch. The Rays, who lead the AL, are betting on stabilized bullpen performance. Slater, a right-handed hitter, has a strong track record against lefties but has shown regression this season.
Our analysis
New York Post: ‘Kimbrel signs with Rays’ by Mark Suleymanov; AP News coverage notes on injured list and Mets DFA; Athletic report on Kimbrel’s signing; Mets press remarks from Carlos Mendoza.
Go deeper
- Will Kimbrel regain his Hall-of-Fame-era dominance with the Rays?
- How soon will Slater be used at the major-league level if at all?
More on these topics
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Craig Kimbrel - Baseball pitcher
Craig Michael Kimbrel is an American professional baseball pitcher for the Chicago Cubs of Major League Baseball. He previously played for the Atlanta Braves, San Diego Padres, and Boston Red Sox.
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New York Mets - Baseball team
The New York Mets are a Major League Baseball team based in the New York City borough of Queens. They compete in Major League Baseball as a member club of the National League East division.
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Tampa Bay Rays - Baseball team
The Tampa Bay Rays are an American professional baseball team based in St. Petersburg, Florida. They compete in Major League Baseball as a member of the American League East division. Since its inception, the team's home venue has been Tropicana Field.