"In 2025, Cleavinger enjoyed his best season yet, posting a 2.35 ERA, 33.7% strikeout rate, and a 7.4% walk rate over 61 1/3 innings. Just about all of his Statcast metrics were solidly above average or (in the case of his strikeout and whiff rates) elite, plus Cleavinger enjoyed some good luck in the form of a .244 BABIP and a whopping 91.6% strand rate."
"There wasn't much that seemed fluky Cleavinger's 2025 performance, so even if the Rays feel they would be selling high on the lefty, there's no reason to believe Cleavinger wouldn't still be a valuable reliever in 2026 or beyond. Broadly speaking, the Rays are always open for trade talks on any player, so it wouldn't be entirely shocking if Cleavinger was dealt prior to Opening Day."
Teams seeking left-handed bullpen help have contacted the Rays about Garrett Cleavinger, though no deal appears close and interested clubs were not specified. Cleavinger, who turns 32 in April, enters his seventh MLB season and fourth full season with Tampa Bay after a 2022 deadline acquisition from the Dodgers. He has a 2.96 ERA across 152 relief innings with the Rays. In 2025 he posted a 2.35 ERA, 33.7% strikeout rate and 7.4% walk rate over 61 1/3 innings, with strong Statcast metrics, a .244 BABIP and a 91.6% strand rate. He performed well against both right- and left-handed hitters, earns $2.4MM in 2026, has one year of arbitration eligibility remaining, and remains a valuable bullpen piece while the Rays remain open to trade talks.
Read at MLB Trade Rumors
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