The Tampa Bay Rays just gambled on a reliever the Mets cast aside, and fans are not happy. Despite a league-best 34-17 record, the Rays desperately need bullpen help. Their relievers rank 21st in MLB with a 4.40 ERA. With key right-handers like Edwin Uceta injured, manager Kevin Cash has been forced to constantly shuffle his bullpen.

Enter Craig Kimbrel.

“Rays in agreement with reliever Craig Kimbrel on major-league deal, source tells The Athletic. Became a free agent when he refused a minor-league assignment with the Mets,” MLB insider Ken Rosenthal shared via X.

He made 14 appearances with the Mets, but struggle was evident. The Mets designated him for assignment on Friday after Kimbrel finished with a 6.00 ERA and 15 SOs from 15 innings. Reportedly, the Mets were supposed to demote him to the minors, which he refused. He cleared waivers and became a free agent. And now, the latest update is that the Rays offered him a major league contract.

Kimbrel’s refusal shows a veteran unwilling to accept a minor-league role. By offering him a major-league spot, the Rays are betting his pride will serve as motivation.

He is turning 38 this week and coming off with tons of experience on the mound. Debuted with the Braves in 2010, he went on to win the World Series with the Red Sox in 2018. That year, Kimbrel recorded six saves while allowing seven earned runs in 10+2⁄3 innings in the postseason. He also put together an All-Star season with the Phillies in 2023 before a solid run with the Orioles in 2024.

However, last year was a busy one for him as he played for a total 3 teams and finally landed a minor league deal with the Mets in January 2026.

Kimbrel’s most recent outing was last Wednesday against the Nationals. He surrendered two runs from 2 innings. However, despite his recent struggles, Kimbrel is coming off with some of the best records. In this 17-year MLB career, Kimbrel racked up 440 saves with a 2.65 ERA and 1297 SOs from 865 appearances.

However, the Rays are putting him in the relief corps, and Kimbrel last played at the back end in 2024 with the Orioles.

The Rays need new arms in the bullpen. So, Kimbrel’s right-handed pitch could come in handy for the team.

The update comes as a surprise, considering how a struggling veteran adds enough value to the Rays. Recently, the Orioles signed Tommy Pham to a minor league deal to boost the team’s struggling outfield, a move accompanied by a June opt-out clause. But offering a major league deal is unique. While we are yet to know about the details, the Rays fans are not hiding their frustration as they take to social media.

The Rays’ fans are left unimpressed with the move

Fans wonder how the Rays offered Kimbrel a major league deal despite his recent struggles with the Mets.

“Wow. If they only knew how awful he was here,” one fan said. “Refused a minor league assignment with a 6.00 ERA. Now Tampa’s handing him a major league deal like that’s somehow a different guy on the mound,” another added.

Kimbrel’s struggles this year are clear from his 6.00 ERA with the Mets. However, 15 innings is a small sample size to judge a veteran. Just last year, Kimbrel showed he can bounce back: after posting a 2.00 ERA in the minors for the Braves and a 3.86 ERA in the minors for the Rangers, he finished strong with a 2.45 ERA in the majors for the Astros. That track record hints at real recovery potential.

Max Scherzer had a rough outing in 2024 with the Rangers. An injury-laden season and a 3.95 ERA still made the Blue Jays sign him for 2025. Result? His 4.15 ERA in the 2025 World Series helped the Jays to survive till Game 7. So, the Rays could also hope for the same from Kimbrel.

“I mean, if anyone can fix him, it would be the Rays, right? We know he can be great, so we’ll see,” one fan agrees.

“If the Rays make it to the playoffs, Kimbrel will blow at least two save opportunities,” one user remarked.

Kimbrel has recorded several notable blown saves throughout his career. The most notable one was in the 2023 NLCS Game 4. He was pitching for the Phillies against the Diamondbacks. He allowed a game-tying solo home run to Ketel Marte, taking the loss and blowing the lead.

The Rays are still looking to secure a playoff berth this year, but we need to wait to see how many saves get blown off by Kimbrel. “Cool, so another bullpen guy who can blow games for us, truly something,” another added.

Baseball means surprises. So, let’s see if Kimbrel could replicate with the Rays what Scherzer had done with the Jays.