The Mets are expected to sign reliever Craig Kimbrel to a minor league deal, reports Jon Heyman of the New York Post. The agreement includes an invitation to MLB Spring Training. Kimbrel will earn a $2.5MM base salary if he makes the team, notes Will Sammon of The Athletic. The veteran right-hander is represented by SportsMeter.
Kimbrel returned to the Braves on a minor league deal last season, but only made one appearance with the team. He latched on with the Rangers for a bit before landing in Houston. Kimbrel turned back the clock with the Astros, posting a 2.25 ERA with a 34.8% strikeout rate over 11 innings. He went back on the market at the conclusion of the season.
The 2025 campaign was Kimbrel’s first without an MLB save in his illustrious 16-year career. It ended a streak of four straight seasons with 20+ saves, an impressive run for a reliever in his mid-30s. He ranks fifth on the all-time saves leaderboard. Kimbrel’s legendary career hit a snag in 2024, when he stumbled to a 5.33 ERA across 57 appearances in Baltimore. He coughed up the closer’s role midway through the year and was released before the season ended. Kimbrel didn’t draw much attention on the market heading into this past season, as he didn’t sign with the Braves until the final week of Spring Training.
If Kimbrel gets into a game with the Mets, they’ll be his 10th MLB club. He’s pitched for seven different teams since 2021. Kimbrel has relied on a fastball/curveball combo to put together one of the most decorated reliever careers this century. The nine-time All-Star has a stellar 2.29 SIERA and a massive 38.8% strikeout rate at the big-league level.
Kimbrel’s lengthy track record includes a handful of disastrous stretches after he entered his 30s. He came to the Cubs in 2019 and scuffled to a 6.53 ERA in 20 2/3 innings. He put up a 5.09 ERA in the second half of 2021 with the White Sox, who acquired him at the trade deadline from the cross-town rival Cubs. There was the aforementioned season with Baltimore, which led to mostly minor league work in 2025. Kimbrel has often recovered from these ruts, and he did show glimpses of his old self last year.
Kimbrel made an All-Star team as recently as 2023 with the Phillies. The 37-year-old has lost a few ticks on his fastball since then, but he still got whiffs at a near-30% clip last season. Free passes were the big issue with the Orioles, as Kimbrel struggled to a 13.4% walk rate. That number remained high (14.3%) in his brief stint with the Astros.
Given the landing spot, Kimbrel will have a tough time adding to his 440 career saves. New York brought in Devin Williams to serve as closer, then added Luke Weaver to be the primary setup man. A.J. Minter should be back at some point to operate as the left-handed setup option. It’ll be a difficult depth chart for Kimbrel to climb, even if he makes the team. Kenley Jansen and his 476 saves are probably safe at fourth on the leaderboard.
Photo courtesy of Nick Turchiaro, Imagn Images
White Sox Legend!
At least he made Nick Madrigal go away.
A part of me died that day
He’s the anti Nick. Sort of an anti holiday gift. Wherever he shows: Nicky 2 hop grounder disappears
That’s an Angels move
No. An Angels move would to make him their closer
For 5 years.
😂100%. Then sign him to a 1 year extension at the end of spring training and watch the wheels fall off the first couple weeks of the regular season.
Angels move would be for him to become a spirit than make game saving plays in the OF
You just know at the same time the Mets made a deal with him the Angels were on the other line, but Kimbrel didn’t know it.
This wasn’t on my bingo card.
Just retire already…
Why? If he wants to keep playing and a team is willing to give him a shot, more power to him.
I never understand when people tell players to retire…if they want to keep playing a kids game and there’s a team willing to give them an opportunity, who are we to tell them to stop living their dream?
You’re right, but he is a shell of himself. I guess I don’t really want him to retire, but I hope you get where I’m coming from
Yeah just dont get where you are coming from friend. Its not up to you or anyone to tell someone to give up on their dream.
I get it. You want remember him at his best instead of the way he is now. But I see it from his side too. He might not be at his peak anymore, but he is still better than most. And what is he going to do? I say as long as they give you the chance, you might as well take it. He can always coach next year ior the year after, but this is likely the chance he will ever have to play the game at the highest level.
I played two more years in the minors after my knees were shot and caught the same young pitcher two days a week because they wanted me tutoring him and a young catcher and be kind of a player/coach. I knew I was no longer considered a prospect but still did it.
So I won’t tell anyone when to quit.
Would love to know the name of that pitcher.
still better then you
Andy – As a Jerry Lawler fan I have to disagree. He’s not “telling” Kimbrel to give up, unless you know for sure Kimbrel is reading these comments …. which most likely he is not, as 98% of players don’t give a crap what fans have to say here.
Either way, this forum is for all of us to express our opinions …. even if the opinions are unjustified, which I agree his opinion of Kimbrel. is.. First amendment and all that stuff, ya know?
The more important issue, WHY does he think Kimbrel should retire but he doesn’t think other relief pitchers who have performed worse the past three years should also retire?
Let’s do a 3-year comparison:
Kimbrel 12.42 K/9
1.20 WHIP
3.98 ERA
Dominguez 10.24 K/9
1.30 WHIP
3.78 ERA
Kimbrel has arguably been better, so why is he the one that should retire?
Is it because he’s 6 years older than Dominguez?
Yep, that’s probably the reason.
Age should NEVER be a factor in one’s career ending, but it often is throughout the workforce because of age discrimination.
I mean hell, Verlander won the Cy at Age 36 and Age 39. He even had a 1.75 ERA at Age 39. Can you imagine if he had retired because he missed the prior two years due to injury.
Fever pitch
Guys like verlander are the exception not the rule, Look at how we was for the Mets. Pitched well in some games looked old in others and then got hurt and missed starts.Look at scherzer pitched well in some games looked old in more, got hurt and missed games. Then he turned it on in the play offs and was still more good than dominant. Look at Kimbrels last few seasons. Since 2019 he’s had an 5 or worse ERA in 4 out of 7 seasons. Yes he still has a good year here and there but they’re not consistent because he’s old now. Age is 100% a factor with sports and when it’s time to retire because of the simple fact that you need to be physically ready, it’s all fine and dandy if your mind says you can go out there again but if your body can’t, it doesn’t matter how much you love the game you can’t do it. Look at how David weights career ended with his body giving out on him. Let these guys rid off into the sunset on top not fighting for mediocrity.
Fever pitch: “Either way, this forum is for all of us to express our opinions …. even if the opinions are unjustified, which I agree his opinion of Kimbrel. is.. First amendment and all that stuff, ya know?” One poster takes issue with what another poster says and you bring up the First Amendment!?!
1st Amendment doesn’t apply to MLBTR.
Mets – That’s my whole point! To label ANYONE as being “done” mainly because they’ve reached a certain age is wrong, it’s called stereotyping. There are indeed exceptions, which is why age shouldn’t be a factor.
Don’t get me wrong, players are generally much higher risk when they get into their 40’s …. but to assume any player is done just because he’s in his 40’s is wrong.
With Scherzer you are again proving my point. How about Aroldis Chapman, look how he’s turned his career around at Age 37. There’s simply nothing concrete that justifies Kimbrel hanging it up.
Now if you want to make an argument that some of these players are hanging on just to pad their career stats for the HOF etc and don’t really enjoy playing as much anymore, then I’d support you.
Joel – He is trying to silence the other poster’s opinion that Kimbrel should retire, how is that not related to the first amendment?
I’ve had my share of intense disagreements with people over the years, but I’ve never told them to stop saying what they were saying. I’ve never tried to take away anyone’s right to express their opinion, as long as they didn’t get personal with me.
In fact there’s a couple people who have tried to silence ME for years.
@Ignorant Son-of-a-b
Yep, MLBTR Rules apply MLBTR.
Fever pitch: Oy. Your definition of “trying to silence” is pretty expansive! If I say something like, for example, “Fever Pitch Guy” is completely wrong” about something or that “he likes to spout cliches” or that “he indulges himself in grandiosity”, does that mean I’m trying to silence fever pitch guy? If that’s what you think, you’re confirming my criticism.
Yes it does: enshrined in the Declamation of Confederation- life liberty and disco. Nick Deeds was the author with his big Nick Deeds signature
In re: first amendment discussion, hoping youre just a proud and passionate 14 yr old who hasn’t taken civics yet and not a contributing participant of civil society. Looks like my con law courses were useless.
And still nothing to do with the First Amendment. Unlike say certain jack booted authorities looking to suppress dissent
Joel – It’s really not expansive. Allow people to voice their opinions about players, that’s all I’m saying.
None of your examples involve trying to silence me.
1) You’re saying I’m wrong, you’re not saying I shouldn’t write about whatever topic is being discussed.
2) You’re giving your opinion about my writing, that’s not a form of silencing.
3) Same as #2, you’re taking umbrage with my posts … not trying to silence me.
OK, got it. My umbrage at your posts is now only league-average, haha!
This exact discussion happens every time a player who seems like he might be out of juice signs one of these deals. I think we can all understand that “just retire already” or “he should retire” aren’t actually directives aimed at the player, but just a colorful way of someone expressing “I think this guy is washed up.”
Meow: I know what you mean in the abstract but Kimbrel is a person, not an idea. It comes off as criticism which isn’t justified because the guy wants to play and there’s an organization willing to pay him. If I were him, I wouldn’t appreciate people telling me to “just retire already”.
I doubt Craig Kimbrel is much interested in reading the MLBTR comments section 😆
Meowmeow: hmmm. That may well be. What do we conclude from that? By that reasoning, should we say anything we want about a ballplayer and it’s ok because they don’t read the comments section?
I think there’s a fair amount of criticism that can be (and is) presented in these forums specifically because of that. There are limits of decency and human kindness but I don’t really think this little sort of “retire already” jab crosses either line. Would it be better just plainly say “I don’t think he’s good enough to pitch in the majors anymore?” Maybe.
I’ll admit, though, it mostly just makes me roll my eyes to see the same bleeding heart “who do you think you are to tell this man to RETIRE and stop chasing his DREAM” sort of comment every single time this exchange comes up.
Meow – You are absolutely correct!
There are plenty of fan sites (not just baseball) where the site owner and mods don’t allow anything “negative” to be said about those who the site discusses.
This is not one of those sites. This site is geared toward intellectual adults, not fanboys.
And said site owner and mods have nothing to do with the First Amendment. The moment you mentioned owner seals it. For the love of Gandalf crack open a textbook or Google something as you’re a fun and knowledgeable poster
Theo – I think my dropping a First Amendment reference is being misunderstood. I meant it in terms of baseball discussion, not politics. And I didn’t mean criticisms are allowed here because of the First Amendment, they are allowed here because the owner and mods (writers) are cool with allowing everyone to express their opinions.
If tomorrow Tim decided nothing negative can be said about any MLB player, that’s his right because this is his site …. it’s not a gov site.
And I do appreciate the kind words.
Why do people call baseball a kids’ game? Adults invented it and were the first to play it.
Kids do play it but only after adults teach it to them. Although some of the action in baseball comes about organically while children play.
Have you seen a run down? Absolute kids game. Could you imagine hockey or football having such nuttiness baked in. Carlin was right!
Stallion – I don’t ever recall an adult mocking a pitcher on the mound by screaming “Pitcher’s got a big butt”.
Even though the line was said by a child actor, that movie was written by an adult. So yes you have.
If he doesn’t get an invite after ST I bet he may
When was the last time a potential future HOFer was signed to a minor league deal? I’m sure it has happened before, but I can’t recall
Joey Votto signed a minor league deal with the Blue Jays in 2024.
You are right there. I forgot about that. I would put Votto and Kimbrel at about the same level when it comes to HOF chances.
Votto is basically a lock when you consider the other guys that have been voted in recently – 64 career bWAR.
You bet! If they voted in Andruw Jones, I think they should escort Votto to the Hall in a limousine. He only had a career obp of .409!
I have no problem with Votto getting in as long as he has to wait as long as both Bagwell and Helton. They both took around 5 years and Votto is arguably not on the same level. At the very least, he is not better than them.
I think Rickey Henderson did after he played independent league ball to play on the Dodgers
hiflew – mlb.com/news/mariners-ichiro-suzuki-have-minor-lea…
That dude could smash some BBs…..base on balls not small pellets
Interesting. Might be a good depth move. At least he gets to pitch in spring and show his stuff. Someone can then sign him. If not, retires or spends a month in Syracuse with opt outs.
Congrats. Great if it works out.
I saw this and checked the calendar to see what year that it is…
I don’t mind this move, I’d take the risk
I don’t hate it he definitely can still strike guys out if he’s willing to do a minor league deal it’s a no brainer for a team to bring in someone with as much experience as him.
Cheep!
More like; KAKAW !
Like it. Low risk with reasonable chance of being a plus
They need a closer in Syracuse.
There is scraping the bottom of the barrel, and then there is tipping it over to see if there is anything underneath it.
Don’t any players, you know, retire anymore?
I know, I know, we shouldn’t begrudge anyone their career, their dream, I know all that, and I agree, you don’t have to lecture me about it. But it used to be that a player who was as good as Kimbrel once was would be proud enough to hang ’em up rather than accept a minor-league contract, or even want to continue when (he has to know) his skills have eroded. And there was something purer, cleaner about those days.
Now get off my lawn! 🙂
Alan
Totally agree bud. Kimbrel is a sure fire HOF arm who’s got nothing left to prove. Yes love of the game, leaving the game better than you found it and the rest of the platitudes guys always say but I worry that younger voters (who screwed over guys like Delgado) are going to have the memory of mid to late 30s Kimbrel fresh in their mind when he does finally hang them up and vote him in and not the pure and utter domination he was known for. I HATED this dude because you knew the game was over if the braves had a lead in the 9th but you can’t deny his resume.
Only for nostalgic reasons as a Braves fan, ew
Curious….I thought he had signed with Atlanta for 1 game specifically to close out his career. I guess it was more in his blood than he thought.
I’ve felt like Kimbrel’s been hanging on a bit too long. But heck, if he’s willing to play in the minor leagues for a chance to get back in majors, I have to give him a lot of credit for that.
Sometimes the older guys hanging on seem to feel a minor league deal is beneath and then scoff when that’s what they are offered. If someone is willing to humble themselves for a chance to make it back though, to me, it says a lot about their character.
Guys get trashed when they hold out for larger contracts cuz people think they should “play for the love of the game.”
Then when an older player wants to keep playing for the love of the game and signs a minor league deal they get trashed for not retiring. Literally can’t win with people.
All that aside, he pitched well last year, albeit in a small sample size in the majors. He was still serviceable in 2022 and 2023 until his down 2024. This is an excellent low risk/high reward move. Any team would be wise to make a move like this and there’s pretty much zero reason to criticize it.
Definitely a hall of famer if this is it.
Can we do a poll on whether he’ll post a 2 ERA/5 FIP or a 5 ERA/2 FIP?
What kind of odds can I get if I take 2 ERA?
It’s a no risk flier for the Mets, and they’re doing him a favor to showcase what he’s got left in the tank for other clubs even if they don’t keep him. Neither party to the transaction has anything to lose. If he can get the ball over the plate and still get Ks they’ve got a valuable 7th reliever.
Bro still hasn’t retired yet?
best peak: Kimbrel
best velocity: Chapman
best career : Jansen
The Braves did him dirty last season didn’t even let him have a home game to make a return. And he didn’t even give up a run and still got released.
It Amazes me that people want to keep giving Kimbrel a chance
Why exactly does a minor league contract AMAZE you? Your head must have exploded when you saw Tuckers contract.
Based on where the Mets are with the luxury tax, does that 2.5 make it contract really cost them $5 million?
Ugh. I hated watching him.
Yay.
How is he only 37? I feel like he’s been pitching since I was in college and I’m 51.
He has the best pitching motion I’ve ever seen.
Another warm body for depth. If he ever gets called up, it’ll mean the pen is in a world of hurt…..
I love this. If I were a MLB player you’d have to drag my rotting carcass off the diamond before I’d retire. You’re going to live until 80+ in most cases, you’ve got 40+ years to do other stuff. If someone is willing to offer you cash to play baseball, I’m taking that deal every time.
He’ll probably be closing by the all star break,
Personally, I was glad he was never on the Mets previously because for awhile games never felt locked down with him. Maybe that was more towards the end.
That said, for a minor league deal, this is a great idea. If he still has any bullets left in his arm, New York gets a useful boost to the bullpen or an appealing trade piece. If he really is at the end, no harm no foul since the big league club is unaffected. It only sucks if they call him up and he blows leads constantly like it’s the second half of 2025 or the end of 2007.
They’re gonna call him up when Williams has a 7.00 era in late June
At least for modern years, the top five pitchers with the most career strikeouts as a relief pitcher are Hoyt Wilhelm (1,363), Goose Gossage (1,340), Aroldis Chapman (1,331), Craig Kimbrel (1,282), and Lee Smith (1,225)
Seems like Hoffman (1,133) and Eckersly would be on this list, but nope
Chapman may take the lead in 2026
Mariano Rivera is 1,173, or just a few less, as he started ten games in his rookie season according to Baseball Reference
It’s like they decided they needed Ryne Stanek again. So they got the best imitation Stanek they could: a Kimbrel running on the faintest of fumes.
Craig Kimbrel: “Mr. SportsMeter, if the Mets are even mildly interested I’ll happily sign with them. My workouts went well. Ready for Spring Training.”
SportsMeter: “You sure? As your agency, we can call all the other teams. Again. Overseas teams might offer more.”
CK: “Nah, do that next year. I’m finally a Met! Where better for my BirdMan takeoff bit than right in the middle of LaGuardia’s flight path?”
SM: “Done deal. Next step is DocuSign….ope…hold on….what’s that? Who?”
SM: “Are you sitting down, Craig? Well, stop birding and sit. Bad news. Qwerky on MLBTR thinks you should retire already. Literally just put that out there. That is a bell no one can unring. Sorry, bud, It’s over.”
CK: “Qwerky said that? I lost Qwerky? Well, that’s it then. It obviously IS over. I am so sad now, but you know what? I’ve had a very good run…”
SM: “Have you, really? Shouldn’t you check with Qwerky before spouting off like that?”
big cubs mistake [but looked good] in the lou brock tradition of cub trades [but nobodys perfect]