METS TO CALL UP VETERAN CLOSER CRAIG KIMBREL BEFORE GAME AGAINST ATHLETICS

The New York Mets are set to make a move to bolster their bullpen ahead of today’s game against the Oakland Athletics, with Craig Kimbrel being called up from the minor leagues. The 16-year veteran, who has a storied career as one of the greatest closers of the 21st century, signed a minor league deal with the Mets in January after a successful run with multiple teams, including the Atlanta Braves, Philadelphia Phillies, Chicago Cubs, and Boston Red Sox.

Kimbrel, now fifth on the all-time saves list with 440 career saves, will bring both experience and leadership to a bullpen that has struggled in recent weeks. He currently sits just ahead of former Mets players Francisco Rodriguez (437), John Franco (424), and Billy Wagner (422). While Kimbrel may not return to his peak form as a dominant closer, his presence adds a layer of depth and stability to a bullpen in need of improvement.

Kimbrel’s Spring Training Performance

Over the course of the spring training season, Kimbrel made six appearances with the Mets, where he posted a 4.50 ERA with five strikeouts and five walks. In a subsequent appearance with Single-A St. Lucie, he threw a scoreless, hitless inning, though he did not record any strikeouts or walks. While these numbers don’t scream dominance, the Mets are hoping Kimbrel can tap into some of his old form as they navigate a period of bullpen struggles.

Despite his age (32), Kimbrel’s reputation as a consistent and reliable option makes him a potentially valuable late-inning presence for a Mets team looking for stability. With Richard Lovelady and Luis Garcia both struggling recently, the Mets may have decided that it’s time to give the veteran closer a shot to help steady the ship.

Kimbrel’s Storied Career: Dominance in His Prime

Craig Kimbrel has had one of the most distinguished careers in the history of relief pitching. Over the course of his career, Kimbrel has logged a 2.58 ERA in 821.2 innings, striking out 1,282 batters with a 1.020 WHIP. His 440 saves rank fifth on the all-time list, and his career 159 ERA+ is far above the league average for a reliever. He has also accumulated 22.7 bWAR, placing him in the same conversation as other top closers of his era like Kenley Jansen and Aroldis Chapman.

Kimbrel’s first nine seasons in the major leagues were nothing short of spectacular. He posted a 1.80 ERA in 470.1 innings, with 772 strikeouts, 291 saves, and a 0.910 WHIP. During that period, Kimbrel was one of the most feared closers in baseball, making nine All-Star teams, finishing top 10 in Cy Young Award voting five times, and earning MVP votes from 2011 to 2013. He was also named Rookie of the Year in 2011 with the Braves.

A Slower Decline: Kimbrel’s Recent Years

However, Kimbrel’s career trajectory took a downturn after he left the Braves and signed with the Chicago Cubs in 2019. Since then, his performance has been far less dominant. In the last few seasons, he has posted a 3.83 ERA in 289 innings, earning just 107 saves—less than a quarter of his career total. His strikeouts per nine innings dropped, and his WHIP rose to 1.204, indicating less effectiveness in high-leverage situations. His ERA+ has also dropped to 110, well below his usual elite standards. Over that period, Kimbrel only accumulated 2.9 bWAR.

Despite the decline, Kimbrel had a brief resurgence in 2025 while playing with the Houston Astros. In 12 innings, he posted a 2.25 ERA, 17 strikeouts, and a 1.417 WHIP, all in a limited role. Although he did not get any saves during that time, his performance down the stretch was strong enough to suggest that he still had something left in the tank as a late-inning reliever.

The Mets’ Need for Stability in the Bullpen

For the Mets, Kimbrel’s signing represents a calculated move to add depth to a bullpen that has been underwhelming in recent weeks. The team has been searching for veteran stability in the bullpen, particularly after the struggles of Lovelady and Garcia, who have been inconsistent. With Edwin Diaz sidelined due to injury, the Mets have needed someone with a proven track record to step up in high-leverage moments.

Kimbrel’s experience and leadership will be key for the Mets as they navigate the rest of the 2026 season. While Kimbrel may not be the same dominant force he was earlier in his career, he remains a highly respected veteran who can provide valuable innings in the later stages of games. His ability to mentor younger pitchers and offer guidance in tough situations will also be an asset for a bullpen that’s still finding its identity.

What’s Next for Kimbrel and the Mets?

Kimbrel’s call-up marks a new chapter for both the veteran reliever and the New York Mets. While his performance over the last few seasons has been inconsistent, the Mets are hopeful that he can regain some of his old form and become a stabilizing force in their bullpen. With Lovelady and Garcia struggling, Kimbrel may be the solution to help provide that missing consistency.

As of now, a corresponding move to clear room for Kimbrel on the roster has not yet been announced. The Mets will likely need to make some difficult decisions to accommodate the veteran closer, but for now, Kimbrel’s return to the majors signals an exciting new chapter for both him and the Mets.

With his career nearing its twilight, Kimbrel will be looking to leave one final mark on the game. And for the Mets, this could be the addition they need to help propel them back into playoff contention as they look to make a deeper run in the postseason.