KANSAS CITY ROYALS
The Kansas City Royals announced today they have signed right-handed pitcher Craig Kimbrel to a Major League contract and added him to the active roster. Right hander Easton McGee has been optioned to Triple-A Omaha.
Kimbrel, 38, ranks 5th all-time with 440 saves, trailing only Mariano Rivera (652), Trevor Hoffman (601), Kenley Jansen (489) and Lee Smith (478). His 1,314 strikeouts also rank 5th among relievers, trailing Aroldis Chapman (1,381), Hoyt Wilhelm (1,363), Rich Gossage (1,340) and Jansen (1,315).
The Royals will be his 12th Major League team over 17 seasons since 2010.
In 33 appearances this season with the Mets and Rays, he’s 0-2 with a 4.81 ERA (18 ER in 33.2 IP) and was designated for assignment by Tampa Bay a week ago today.
Kimbrel is a nine-time All-Star, 2018 World Series champion with the Red Sox and has been named 2011 Rookie of the Year, 2014 National League Reliever of the Year and 2017 American League Reliever of the Year. He led the National League in saves in four consecutive seasons from 2011-14.