🚨 METS ADD VETERAN DEPTH: Craig Kimbrel and Austin Barnes Sign Minor League Deals 👇

The New York Mets have officially announced the signing of two veterans to minor league contracts with invitations to spring training: reliever Craig Kimbrel and catcher Austin Barnes. These moves add depth and experience to the Mets’ roster as they look to bolster both their bullpen and catching position heading into the 2026 season.

Craig Kimbrel: A Former Closer with Something Left in the Tank

Craig Kimbrel, once considered one of the most dominant closers in baseball, has faced some struggles in recent years. After a rough 2024 season where he posted a 5.33 ERA, Kimbrel found himself unable to consistently secure innings in the majors during the 2025 season. However, when he did pitch, he showed flashes of his old self, finishing the year with a 2.25 ERA and a 1.417 WHIP in 12 innings at the MLB level. Kimbrel also saw significant action in the minors, pitching 39 innings to a 3.00 ERA and a 1.051 WHIP.

While his velocity has decreased, averaging 93.5 MPH on his fastball, Kimbrel still managed a 34.7% strikeout rate and 29.8% whiff rate in the majors. In Triple-A, his strikeout rate and whiff rate were similarly impressive at 29.8% and 30.0%, respectively. Despite not being the overpowering force he once was, Kimbrel’s strong pitch shapes and ability to generate strikeouts suggest he may still have something left to offer. If he can rediscover his dominant form, the Mets could benefit from adding a future Hall of Famer to their bullpen.

Kimbrel’s Contract Details: Kimbrel can opt out of his minor league deal if he is not added to the Mets’ 40-man roster by March 21, May 1, or June 1. This gives the Mets a chance to evaluate his performance in spring training and early in the season before deciding whether to promote him to the major league roster.

Austin Barnes: A Veteran Catcher for Depth and Mentorship

Austin Barnes brings a wealth of experience to the Mets’ catcher position. Having spent his entire 11-year career with the Los Angeles Dodgers, Barnes has established himself as a strong defensive catcher and a reliable presence behind the plate. In 2025, he caught 86 games for Clayton Kershaw before being designated for assignment in May. Barnes has a career batting line of .223/.322/.338/.660, but his true value lies in his defense. He has been known for his elite framing skills and overall defensive ability, which makes him a valuable asset for any team, especially in a backup role.

With Francisco Alvarez and Luis Torrens both dealing with injuries in recent years, adding a seasoned veteran like Barnes provides crucial depth at the catcher position. While Barnes may not be an everyday player for the Mets, he could serve as a mentor to the young Alvarez, helping him continue his development and grow into one of the league’s top catchers. Additionally, if Alvarez or Torrens faces setbacks during the season, Barnes could step in as a reliable backup.

Barnes’ Contract Details: Like Kimbrel, Barnes has the option to opt out of his deal if he is not added to the Mets’ 40-man roster by March 21, May 1, or June 1. This gives the Mets flexibility, while Barnes provides much-needed veteran leadership in the meantime.

Looking Ahead: Mets Add Depth and Experience for 2026 Season

The addition of Craig Kimbrel and Austin Barnes signals the Mets’ commitment to depth and experience heading into the 2026 season. Kimbrel, though not the dominant closer he once was, still offers potential as a valuable bullpen arm. Barnes, with his defensive skills and mentoring potential, adds an important safety net behind the plate.

As spring training approaches, both players will have the opportunity to prove themselves and earn a spot on the Mets’ 40-man roster. If they perform well in camp and the early part of the season, both could play key roles in the Mets’ pursuit of a postseason berth in 2026.

This expanded version provides more context on the Mets’ recent signings of Craig Kimbrel and Austin Barnes, detailing their contributions and potential impact on the team’s depth for the upcoming season. It also covers the contract details, including opt-out clauses, and how both players fit into the Mets’ long-term strategy.