Craig Kimbrel Signs Minor League Deal With Mets For 2026

The New York Mets are taking a low-risk, high-experience gamble by reportedly agreeing to a minor-league deal with veteran reliever Craig Kimbrel.

This move adds another intriguing layer to an already deep bullpen. It also raises a big question: does one of baseball’s most accomplished closers have anything left in the tank after several turbulent seasons?

Mets Take a Flyer on a Decorated Reliever

The Mets plan to sign Craig Kimbrel to a minor-league contract with an invitation to MLB spring training. If he earns a spot on the Opening Day roster, he’ll get a $2.5 million base salary, so it’s a classic prove-it deal for both sides.

For New York, there’s barely any financial risk, but they get a pitcher with an elite résumé. For Kimbrel, it’s one more shot to extend a career that’s already put him among the most dominant relievers in baseball history.

A Resume That Still Commands Respect

Kimbrel is a nine-time All-Star and ranks fifth on MLB’s all-time saves list. For years, he overpowered hitters with a nasty fastball-curveball combo that made him almost untouchable at the back of bullpens.

That pitch mix has produced a 2.29 SIERA and a wild 38.8% strikeout rate. Those are elite numbers, even now.

Recent Struggles and a Glimmer of Hope

The challenge? Kimbrel isn’t in his prime anymore. The 2025 season was the first in his 16-year MLB career without a save, ending a four-year streak of 20-plus saves.

He had a rough 2024 with Baltimore, posting a 5.33 ERA, losing his control, and eventually getting released.

But later in 2025, he had a brief, surprising resurgence with the Houston Astros.

Signs of Life in Houston

In just 11 innings with Houston, Kimbrel managed a 2.25 ERA and a sharp 34.8% strikeout rate. Sure, it’s a tiny sample, but it hints that his stuff might still play at the highest level.

Still, there’s a big issue: his walk rates — 13.4% in Baltimore and 14.3% with Houston — show a control problem that keeps haunting him.

An Uphill Battle in a Crowded Mets Bullpen

Even if Kimbrel impresses in spring training, the Mets’ bullpen is a tough group to crack. New York already has a strong late-inning core, so there’s not much room for mistakes.

With all that depth, Kimbrel would probably have to fight for a middle-relief spot, not high-leverage innings.

What’s Really at Stake for Kimbrel

Honestly, this signing isn’t likely to shake up baseball history. Even if Kimbrel makes the roster, it’s tough to see him adding much to his career save total. Kenley Jansen’s 476 saves are way out of reach on the all-time list.

But for a pitcher who’s played for seven teams since 2021 and could join his tenth MLB organization with the Mets, just sticking on a roster would be another twist in a pretty remarkable career.

Low Risk, High Curiosity Move

This is a smart depth play for the Mets. It’s basically a final audition for Craig Kimbrel.

If he manages to handle his velocity drop and gets his control back, New York might have found a useful veteran arm. If things don’t work out, well, the cost barely stings.

For fans, it’s a fascinating reminder that even legends have to keep fighting for their spot. Sometimes, all it really takes is just one more shot to change the ending.

 
Here is the source article for this story: Mets To Sign Craig Kimbrel To Minor League Deal