The Toronto Blue Jays made multiple pitching moves to add depth after injuries depleted their staff, including signing Matt Bowman to a minor-league deal and trading for Connor Seabold. The Tampa Bay Rays also acquired pitching help by signing former Mets reliever Craig Kimbrel to a major-league contract. Kimbrel previously earned nine All-Star selections, led the National League in saves four times, and won a World Series. At age 38, his recent performance has declined, including a 0-2 record and 6.00 ERA with the Mets, along with 10 earned runs and three home runs allowed in 15 innings. New York designated him for assignment on May 22, and he later elected free agency after clearing waivers.
"Rays in agreement with reliever Craig Kimbrel on major-league deal, source tells @TheAthletic. Became free agent when he refused minor-league assignment with Mets.- Ken Rosenthal (@Ken_Rosenthal) May 26, 2026"
"Kimbrel is a former nine-time All-Star who once led the National League in saves on four occasions. With 17 years of service in the major leagues and a World Series ring, he brings with him a breadth of winning experience. However, having just turned 38 years old, Kimbrel is currently a shell of his former self. In fact, he had been on the decline for pretty much the past three seasons."
"This season with the Mets, he had compiled a 0-2 record with a dismal 6.00 ERA, 1.47 WHIP, giving up 10 earned runs including three home runs along with 15 strikeouts in 15 innings pitched over 14 relief appearances. As a result of his disappointing performance, New York designated Kimbrel for assignment on May 22 while recalling young pitching prospect Jonah Tong to take his roster spot with the Mets. Kimbrel reliever would ultimately elect free agency after clearing waivers."
Read at Jays Journal
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