New MLB Rumors Reveal Craig Kimbrel, Royals Contract After Mets, Rays Exits

After being released by the Tampa Bay Rays last week, Craig Kimbrel has found a new team.

Per Jon Heyman of the New York Post, the veteran reliever is signing a major-league deal with the Kansas City Royals.

The deal comes as the Royals sit at 49-70 on the year, 11 games back in the wild-card race. With a little over a month remaining this season, Kansas City has virtually no chance of reaching the postseason.

Kimbrel, 38, signed a minor league deal with the New York Mets in January. He made 14 appearances for the Mets, posting a rough 6.00 ERA and a 1.47 WHIP. He was designated for assignment in May before hitting free agency.

The Rays signed him to a major league deal shortly after his Mets release, but he landed on the 15-day injured list with wrist soreness a few days after joining the team.

After returning in mid-June, Kimbrel posted a 3.86 ERA and a 1.23 WHIP in 19 games, recording 17 strikeouts across 18.2 innings. The Rays designated him for assignment on Aug. 2, and he once again chose to enter free agency.

The Royals mark the 10th team Kimbrel has played for since 2021. He's been on five different teams since the start of the 2025 campaign.

Kimbrel is one of the best closers in MLB history, sitting in fifth place on the all-time saves list, but he hasn't had his historically good production over the last few years, and it's led to him being a bit of a journeyman.

Whether Kansas City will be the final stop for the nine-time All-Star remains to be seen.