Rays reportedly keeping tabs on Craig Kimbrel
Despite the fact that a number of teams have had issues at their back of their bullpen this season, free agent closer Craig Kimbrel is still very much available. One team that has looked pretty strong late in games may well look to get even stronger with him.
According to Marc Topkin of the Tampa Bay Times, the Tampa Bay Rays remain in touch with Kimbrel, though there’s no indication that anything appears close.
Interestingly, this comes even as the Rays sit in first place in the AL East with two dominant bullpen arms. Diego Castillo has a 1.71 ERA, while teammate Jose Alvarado is even lower at 1.13.
Adding Kimbrel would obviously make the Tampa Bay bullpen a huge point of strength. Other teams have been in contact with the free agent closer, but the Rays may be his best shot at making the playoffs as things stand.