The New York Mets have agreed to a minor league contract with veteran closer Craig Kimbrel, including an invitation to Spring Training, according to reports. The 37-year-old right-hander could earn $2.5 million if he makes the major league roster. This move adds depth to the Mets' bullpen as they prepare for the upcoming season.
Craig Kimbrel, a former All-Star closer with 440 career saves—second among active pitchers and fifth all-time—has signed a minor league deal with the New York Mets, as reported by MLB Network's Jon Heyman on Saturday. The agreement includes a Spring Training invitation, and while the Mets have not officially confirmed it, sources indicate Kimbrel would receive $2.5 million upon making the major league team, per Will Sammon of The Athletic and the New York Post.
Last season, Kimbrel, 37, appeared in 14 major league games split between the Atlanta Braves and Houston Astros, posting a 2.25 ERA. He began the year with the Braves, re-signing late in Spring Training and spending time in Double-A and Triple-A before a 2.45 ERA over 15 appearances with Triple-A Gwinnett. His lone major league outing with Atlanta was a scoreless but challenging inning in San Francisco, after which he was designated for assignment. Kimbrel then joined the Texas Rangers on a minor league deal but was released, before landing with the Astros, where he recorded a 2.45 ERA and 1.34 WHIP in 13 outings.
Kimbrel's career highlights include the 2011 National League Rookie of the Year award with the Braves, where he dominated from 2011-2014 with a 1.51 ERA and 185 saves, leading the NL in saves for four straight years. He later pitched for the San Diego Padres (2015: 39 saves, 2.58 ERA), Boston Red Sox (2016-2018: 2.44 ERA, 108 saves), and Chicago Cubs (since 2019: 3.83 ERA). Since 2023, he has a 3.98 ERA across stints with multiple teams.
The Mets, who recently acquired relievers Devin Williams and Luke Weaver while trading Edwin Diaz for Williams and sending out Tyler Rogers, view Kimbrel as potential bullpen depth. The unit also includes former Braves reliever A.J. Minter, signed ahead of the 2025 season. Recent Mets additions like Freddy Peralta, Luis Robert, and Bo Bichette signal an active offseason rebuild.
