Report: Rays have maintained contact with Kimbrel

The Tampa Bay Rays have maintained consistent contact with reliever Craig Kimbrel, according to Marc Topkin of the Tampa Bay Times.

However, Topkin suggests a deal between the two sides seems unlikely.

This is the first instance of the Rays and Kimbrel being connected, with the frugal Tampa team not known for its free-agent spending. The Rays are projected to enter 2019 with left-hander Jose Alvarado as their closer.

Kimbrel's name has been featured in rumors often lately, with the Washington Nationals and Atlanta Braves linked to the 30-year-old.

Last week, the Nationals were reportedly unwilling to exceed the luxury-tax threshold to acquire the seven-time All-Star. Meanwhile, Atlanta has dropped out of contention for Kimbrel's services.

The Boston Red Sox, Kimbrel's club for the past three seasons, don't appear interested in a reunion either.

In February, team chairman Tom Werner said the chances of Boston re-signing Kimbrel were "extremely unlikely." Werner's comments came a month after Red Sox president of baseball operations Dave Dombrowski said he didn't anticipate spending significantly on a closer.

Kimbrel has reportedly been seeking a contract worth more than $100 million, and he's also attached to draft-pick compensation after turning down a qualifying offer from the Red Sox following the 2018 campaign.

During his nine MLB seasons, Kimbrel has recorded 333 career saves, a 1.91 ERA, and 868 strikeouts in 532 2/3 innings.