{"id":114154,"date":"2026-02-15T20:29:42","date_gmt":"2026-02-16T01:29:42","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/baseball\/?p=114154"},"modified":"2026-02-15T20:29:42","modified_gmt":"2026-02-16T01:29:42","slug":"craig-kimbrel-could-be-solid-addition-to-mets-bullpen","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/baseball\/2026\/02\/15\/craig-kimbrel-could-be-solid-addition-to-mets-bullpen\/","title":{"rendered":"Veteran Closer Could Be a Solid Addition to the Mets Bullpen"},"content":{"rendered":"

The nine-time All-Star closer Craig Kimbrel<\/a> signed a minor league deal with the New York Mets in January. As of right now, he does not have a clear path to make the major league team to start the season. However, if he puts on a show during spring training, he might end up impressing the Mets brass enough to secure a spot in their bullpen. If he were to make the team, Kimbrel could be a low-risk, high-reward kind of player for them.<\/p>\n

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Jun 6, 2025; San Francisco, California, USA; Atlanta Braves pitcher Craig Kimbrel (46) looks at the catcher against the San Francisco Giants during the seventh inning at Oracle Park. Mandatory Credit: Robert Edwards-Imagn Images<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Craig Kimbrel Can Still Contribute If He Makes the Mets Roster<\/h2>\n

The possible future Hall of Famer has been a little shaky in his last few years as he gets older. Last year, however, he put up solid numbers in the minors and in a short stint in the majors. In 39 innings pitched between Double-A and Triple-A, Kimbrel had an ERA of 3.00, a 1.051 WHIP, and 51 strikeouts. Then, in the majors, he had a stint with the Houston Astros and the Atlanta Braves<\/a>. Between those two teams, he finished the season with 12 innings pitched, a 2.25 ERA, 1.417 WHIP, and 17 strikeouts. Not a bad season at all for Kimbrel, even though it’s a small sample size.<\/p>\n

If Kimbrel can build on last season’s success, he could end up as a valuable piece for the Mets<\/a>. New York is also interested in possibly putting him on the roster due to his wisdom and experience, according to President of Baseball Operations David Stearns. Kimbrel also added a changeup to his arsenal, which was another reason why the Mets took a chance on him, as it piqued their interest. Kimbrel will be battling with some of the younger pitchers in the Mets’ farm system, like Ryan Lambert<\/a>, amongst others. The 37-year-old will have to show up and show out if he wants a spot on this roster.<\/p>\n

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“It made a lot of sense for us to give it a look and give him a chance.”<\/p>\n

Mets value experience, wisdom Craig Kimbrel could bring to roster https:\/\/t.co\/oKGeDMRSXd<\/a> pic.twitter.com\/Rcevvbb99U<\/a><\/p>\n

\u2014 SNY (@SNYtv) February 14, 2026<\/a><\/p><\/blockquote>\n