Craig Kimbrel split time between the Atlanta Braves and Houston Astros in 2025. Robert Edwards / Imagn Images
Still wanting to extend a decorated career even if it means needing to win a spot, veteran reliever Craig Kimbrel reached an agreement on a minor-league deal with the New York Mets on Saturday, multiple league sources confirmed to The Athletic.
Kimbrel, 37, receives an invitation to major-league spring training, where he holds a decent chance at breaking camp with the Mets. The New York Post first reported the deal, which includes a base salary of $2.5 million if he cracks New York’s roster, league sources said.
Formerly a longtime nemesis of the Mets, Kimbrel was one of the best closers of the 2010s. The right-hander earned nine All-Star nods, including four trips as a member of the Atlanta Braves. Kimbrel is fifth on the career saves list with 440. In his 16th season, Kimbrel produced a 2.25 ERA last season over 14 appearances (12 innings) with the Houston Astros and Braves. He spent most of 2025 in Triple A, where he had a 3.32 ERA (35 2/3 innings).
The Mets’ bullpen figures to feature a job or two up for grabs. The core group includes closer Devin Williams, setup relievers Luke Weaver and Brooks Raley, and middle relievers Luis Garcia and Huascar Brazobán. Newcomer Tobias Myers, acquired from the Milwaukee Brewers in the deal with Freddy Peralta, might be the long reliever. Other names to know include Adbert Alzolay, Justin Hagenman, Brandon Waddell, Dylan Ross, Jonathan Pintaro, Austin Warren and Alex Carrillo. Lefty setup man A.J. Minter likely needs a stint on the injured list to start the season.