The New York Mets have agreed to a minor league contract with veteran closer Craig Kimbrel, including an invitation to Spring Training, according to multiple reports. The deal, which has not yet been confirmed by the club, would pay Kimbrel $2.5 million if he earns a spot on the Major League roster. At 37, Kimbrel brings a wealth of experience, including 440 career saves, to bolster the Mets' bullpen depth.
The New York Mets are adding experienced relief pitching to their revamped bullpen by signing Craig Kimbrel to a minor league deal with a non-roster invitation to Spring Training. Reports from MLB Network's Jon Heyman on Saturday, echoed by Will Sammon of The Athletic and the New York Post, indicate the agreement. Kimbrel would receive $2.5 million should he make the Opening Day roster, providing low-risk depth for a team that has already fortified its late-inning options.
Kimbrel, now 37, enters his 17th Major League season after posting a 2.25 ERA over 14 appearances split between the Atlanta Braves and Houston Astros in 2025. A five-time All-Star and 2011 National League Rookie of the Year with the Braves, he established himself as one of baseball's elite closers early in his career. From 2011 to 2014, Kimbrel recorded 185 saves with a 1.51 ERA, anchoring Atlanta's bullpen. His career total of 440 saves ranks second among active pitchers behind Kenley Jansen's 476 and fifth all-time.
Subsequent stints with the San Diego Padres (39 saves, 2.58 ERA in 2015), Boston Red Sox (108 saves, 2.44 ERA over three seasons), and Chicago Cubs highlighted his continued productivity, though his performance has fluctuated in recent years. Since joining the Cubs in 2019, Kimbrel has a 3.83 ERA across seven seasons, and since 2023, a 3.98 ERA with a 2.79 strikeout-to-walk ratio. He has pitched for seven teams since 2021, showcasing his adaptability despite the moves.
The Mets, under president of baseball operations David Stearns, view Kimbrel as a potential depth piece amid an active offseason. New York has already signed relievers Devin Williams, Luke Weaver, and Luis García to high-leverage roles, while making blockbuster additions like infielder Bo Bichette, outfielder Luis Robert Jr., and pitchers Freddy Peralta and Tobias Myers. This signing aligns with efforts to improve run prevention after a 2025 season where the Mets allowed 715 runs, ranking 13th in the Majors. Kimbrel's veteran presence could prove valuable if he regains form in camp.