Spring training is full of storylines for the New York Mets this year. Veterans are trying to rediscover form, young players are experimenting with adjustments, and several pitchers are fighting to prove they still belong.
But one potential roster battle has quietly developed without much attention.
Left-hander Bryan Hudson, acquired from the Chicago White Sox, appears to be the early favorite to fill a temporary bullpen role while A.J. Minter recovers from injury. Yet the situation may not be as simple as it looks.
Another name is lurking in the background: Craig Kimbrel.
Hudson doesn’t arrive in Queens with the kind of résumé that guarantees him anything. His major league track record remains small, and his recent performance has been inconsistent.
He first gained attention during the 2024 season with the Milwaukee Brewers. Despite entering the year with fewer than 10 innings of MLB experience, Hudson delivered a breakout performance, posting a 1.73 ERA while striking out roughly a batter per inning. His command looked sharp as well, walking just 2.5 batters per nine innings while allowing only four hits per nine.
At the time, it looked like Milwaukee had uncovered a hidden gem.
But the success didn’t last.
Hudson’s control collapsed during the 2025 season. In just over 10 innings, he issued an alarming 10.5 walks per nine innings, effectively derailing his momentum. After being waived and claimed by the White Sox, his struggles continued, leaving him searching for stability once again.
Now with the Mets, Hudson finds himself in a familiar position: fighting to prove he belongs.
The opportunity is there.
Because Minter is expected to begin the season on the injured list, Hudson could temporarily claim a spot as the bullpen’s primary left-handed option. If he performs well, he could make things difficult for the Mets when Minter returns later in the season.
But nothing about the situation is guaranteed.
Hudson may need to pitch exceptionally well to maintain his roster spot. The Mets have already shown they are willing to make quick bullpen decisions if roster flexibility becomes an issue.
Last season, the club designated Genesis Cabrera for assignment after just six appearances despite a respectable 3.52 ERA, largely because the team needed fresh arms and roster maneuverability.
That same flexibility could influence Hudson’s fate.
The Mets may also carry six starting pitchers at times this season, which could place additional pressure on the bullpen and reduce the margin for error among relievers.
Then there’s Kimbrel.
The veteran closer, a likely future Hall of Fame candidate, is entering what could be the final chapter of his career. If things don’t work out this season, retirement may not be far behind.
Unlike Hudson, Kimbrel does not have the luxury of rebuilding his career over several more years.
While Hudson has the advantage of being left-handed — making him the most direct replacement for Minter — Kimbrel’s experience and track record could still earn him a role if he proves effective.
The roster math complicates matters further.
To make room for Kimbrel, the Mets might have to option a pitcher such as Huascar Brazobán. Doing so would remove a valuable optionable arm that the team could shuttle between the majors and minors when fresh bullpen help is needed.
That kind of decision isn’t made lightly.
As a result, both Hudson and Kimbrel may find themselves under immediate pressure to perform during spring training.
So far, the early returns are limited.
Hudson has yet to make his spring debut for the Mets, while Kimbrel has thrown two innings and allowed two runs, including an outing against Team Nicaragua that produced mixed results.
It’s still early in camp. But as the Mets move closer to final roster decisions, this quiet competition could become one of the more intriguing under-the-radar storylines of their spring.
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