Rays Drawing Trade Interest in Strikeout Machine Cleavinger

Tampa Bay reliever has drawn interest from teams looking to bolster their bullpens.

Published on Feb. 15, 2026

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The Tampa Bay Rays are reportedly receiving trade interest in left-handed relief pitcher Garrett Cleavinger, who is entering his age-32 season and is under club control for one more year at $2.4 million. Cleavinger's high strikeout rate, durability, and affordable contract have made him an appealing target for teams looking to add bullpen help.

Why it matters

As the Rays continue to find creative ways to stay competitive despite payroll constraints, trading Cleavinger could allow them to acquire assets to strengthen their roster in other areas. However, the Rays may also want to keep Cleavinger to bolster their own bullpen as they aim to make the playoffs.

The details

Cleavinger, a left-handed reliever, had a career-best 2.35 ERA and 82 strikeouts in 67 games for the Rays in 2025. His 33.7% strikeout rate ranked in the top 4% of the league. Cleavinger has also proven to be extremely durable, appearing in 68 games in 2024 and 67 games in 2025.

  • Cleavinger is entering his age-32 season in 2026.
  • Cleavinger is under club control for one more year, earning $2.4 million in 2026.

The players

Garrett Cleavinger

A left-handed relief pitcher for the Tampa Bay Rays who has drawn trade interest from other teams due to his high strikeout rate, durability, and affordable contract.

Tampa Bay Rays

The MLB team that currently employs Garrett Cleavinger and is considering trading him to acquire assets and strengthen their roster.

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What they’re saying

“The Tampa Bay Rays are drawing trade interest in left-handed reliever Garrett Cleavinger, according to people familiar with the discussions.”

— Ken Rosenthal, Reporter (The Athletic)

“The interest in Cleavinger might stem in part from the lack of quality options among the remaining free-agent left-handed relievers, with Danny Coulombe perhaps the best of the group.”

— Ken Rosenthal, Reporter (The Athletic)

The takeaway

The Rays' willingness to trade Cleavinger highlights their commitment to staying competitive despite payroll constraints, as they look to acquire assets that can strengthen their roster in other areas. However, the Rays may also choose to keep Cleavinger to bolster their own bullpen as they aim to make the playoffs.