Craig Kimbrel Signs with Tampa Bay Rays After Leaving Mets
Veteran reliever Craig Kimbrel finds new team days after Mets split

Image: New York Post
Veteran reliever Craig Kimbrel has joined the Tampa Bay Rays after declining a minor league assignment with the New York Mets. The 37-year-old struggled with a 6.00 ERA in 15 innings with the Mets, and now aims to revitalize his career with the AL East leaders.
- 01Craig Kimbrel posted a 6.00 ERA in 15 innings with the New York Mets this season.
- 02He refused a minor league assignment, opting instead for a major league roster spot.
- 03Kimbrel has a career ERA of 2.65 and ranks fifth all-time with 440 saves.
- 04The Tampa Bay Rays are known for their strong pitching program, which may help Kimbrel regain his form.
- 05Kimbrel has pitched for 11 different teams over his career, including the Braves, Orioles, and Astros.
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Craig Kimbrel, a veteran reliever, has signed with the Tampa Bay Rays after opting out of a minor league assignment with the New York Mets. The 37-year-old faced challenges during his time with the Mets, recording a 6.00 ERA over 15 innings. Initially, Kimbrel showed promise by not allowing an earned run in his first four appearances but struggled significantly afterward, giving up 10 earned runs in his next 11 1/3 innings. Mets manager Carlos Mendoza expressed respect for Kimbrel, acknowledging his professionalism. Now with the Rays, Kimbrel hopes to revitalize his career, joining a team known for its effective pitching program. Over the past three seasons, he has posted a 4.99 ERA while playing for the Braves, Orioles, Astros, and Mets. Despite his recent struggles, Kimbrel has a distinguished career with a 2.65 ERA and ranks fifth in MLB history with 440 saves, though he faces an uphill battle to catch Lee Smith’s record of 478 saves.
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