Uh oh, AL East powers.

As Craig Kimbrel remains unsigned, we’ve reached an opportunistic moment for smart teams around the sport. The longer that one of the most accomplished relievers in history lingers in free agency, the more likely a surprise team will jump at the chance to land him.

For the Yankees and Kimbrel’s last team, the Red Sox, it could turn out to be very bad news in the division race.

According to Marc Topkin of the Tampa Bay Times, the Rays shouldn’t be counted out as a potential Kimbrel suitor.

I know what #Rays have said and what I've written about them not planning to add an experienced and expensive closer like Kimbrel, but am also getting the sense there is a "never say never" sentiment as he continues to remain unsigned (and thus in theory less expensive). — Marc Topkin (@TBTimes_Rays) March 10, 2019

Tampa Bay won 90 games in 2018, and could be even stronger in 2019 after the additions of veteran starter Charlie Morton, outfielder Avisail Garcia and infielder Yandy Diaz. If Kimbrel arrives to help out a bullpen that used The Opener to perfection last summer, well, watch out for a three-team race in the AL East.

Kimbrel, 30, pitched to a 2.74 ERA in 62.1 innings for the Red Sox last season. While that figure is quite good, Kimbrel does come with some concern as he moves into the latter stage of his career. With a declining strikeout rate (13.9 SO/9) and FIP (fielding independent pitching) mark of 3.13, it’s no lock that Kimbrel will be special moving forward.

But if Tampa Bay can find room in its budget to add the strikeout machine, the Yankees and Red Sox could have 36 shared games impacted by his stuff in 2019.

Joe Giglio may be reached at jgiglio@njadvancemedia.com. Follow him on Twitter@JoeGiglioSports. Find NJ.com on Facebook.