Hall of Fame closer joins best team in American League

Craig Kimbrel. Jerome Miron-Imagn Images

Hall of Fame closer joins best team in American League

By Andrew Wright | Last updated May 27, 2026 8:00 AM ET

It is no secret that the glory days of future MLB Hall of Famer Craig Kimbrel are behind him. Kimbrel still, though, is hanging around in the major leagues and just struck a deal with one of baseball's best teams this season.

Craig Kimbrel is headed to Tampa Bay

Just days after being designated for assignment by the New York Mets, Kimbrel has landed with his 11th different team of his professional career.

As it was first reported by insider Ken Rosenthal, Kimbrel and the Tampa Bay Rays have agreed on a major league deal. Kimbrel has appeared in 14 games this season, posting a 6.00 ERA and -0.3 WAR in those appearances.

He will now join a Tampa Bay team that has the best record in the American League but has the third-fewest Wins Above Average from its bullpen staff.

Rays, RHP Craig Kimbrel reportedly agree to deal, per multiple reports including @adamdberry. pic.twitter.com/JWEnw4g4Xd
— MLB (@MLB) May 26, 2026

Does Craig Kimbrel have anything left in the tank?

Kimbrel's dominance in the closer role for the Atlanta Braves from 2011 to 2015 was among the greatest four-year stretches for any closer ever. Those four seasons gave him 185 of his 440 career saves, which ranks fifth all-time.

Recently, though, it has been a rough go for the soon-to-be 38-year-old veteran. Kimbrel pitched in just 14 games last year without collecting a save. It was the first time in his career that he'd not collected a save in a season.

His 14 games with New York this season were tough, as he allowed 10 runs and six home runs in just 15 innings. There is nothing Kimbrel could do to tarnish his Hall of Fame status, and it would make fans happy to see one of the game's greatest closers go out on a high note in what may be his final season.

Andrew Wright

Andrew "Dew" Wright graduated from Charleston Southern University with a degree in Communication Studies. He is a lifelong Chicago Cubs and Washington Commanders fan.

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