The New York Mets knew they had work to do in their bullpen this offseason.
After losing star closer Edwin Díaz in free agency to the Los Angeles Dodgers, the organization moved quickly to rebuild its late-inning relief corps with experienced arms.
First came the signing of former Milwaukee Brewers standout Devin Williams, who joined the Mets on a three-year, $51 million contract. Shortly afterward, New York added another veteran option by bringing in Luke Weaver on a two-year, $22 million deal.
Together, the two pitchers are expected to anchor the back end of the Mets bullpen in 2026.
But the front office didn’t stop there.
A low-risk gamble on a legendary closer
New York Mets pitcher Craig Kimbrel | Sam Navarro-Imagn Images
In late January, the Mets made another intriguing move by signing Craig Kimbrel to a minor league contract with an invitation to spring training.
Once one of the most dominant closers in baseball, the 37-year-old Kimbrel is now trying to extend his career while proving he still belongs on a major league roster.
Kimbrel’s résumé remains impressive. Across his career, he has accumulated 440 regular-season saves, ranking among the most prolific closers in baseball history.
However, his recent seasons have been uneven.
In 2024 with the Baltimore Orioles, Kimbrel recorded a 5.33 ERA while converting 23 of 29 save opportunities. The following year he split time between the Atlanta Braves and Houston Astros, making just 14 major league appearances but posting a solid 2.25 ERA during that stretch.
While the Mets don’t necessarily need him to handle ninth-inning duties, his experience could provide valuable depth in high-leverage situations.
Carlos Mendoza sees positive signs
Ultimately, Kimbrel’s chances of making the Opening Day roster will depend on what the Mets see from him this spring.
Manager Carlos Mendoza recently shared his early impressions of the veteran reliever in comments reported by Jon Heyman of the New York Post.
According to Mendoza, Kimbrel has shown encouraging progress in camp.
“He’s sharp,” Mendoza said. “I think he’s in a good place and continues to get better.”
The Mets manager noted that Kimbrel’s fastball appears to have regained some life, while his breaking ball is consistently landing in the strike zone — two important indicators that the veteran may still have something left in the tank.
A crowded bullpen competition
New York Mets pitcher Craig Kimbrel (46) | Jim Rassol-Imagn Images
Even with Williams and Weaver expected to handle major roles, bullpen depth remains essential across a long season.
That reality gives Kimbrel a legitimate chance to earn a spot — particularly if he continues showing improvement in his spring appearances.
For now, the Mets appear encouraged by what they’ve seen from the former All-Star.
Whether it will be enough to secure a place on the Opening Day roster remains to be seen, but Kimbrel’s early performances suggest the veteran closer isn’t ready to walk away from the game just yet.
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