Reports: Mets calling up veteran closer Craig Kimbrel

Field Level Media|published: Sat 11th April, 10:48 2026

Feb 19, 2026; Port St. Lucie, FL, USA; New York Mets pitcher Craig Kimbrel (46) poses for a photo during media day at Clover Park. Mandatory Credit: Sam Navarro-Imagn Images

The New York Mets are calling up nine-time All-Star reliever Craig Kimbrel, multiple outlets reported on Saturday.

Kimbrel, 37, signed a minor league deal with the Mets in January.

Kimbrel ranks fifth all-time with 440 career saves. He led the National League in saves in four straight seasons with the Atlanta Braves, starting with his Rookie of the Year campaign in 2011.

He tallied 39 saves for the San Diego Padres in 2015 and recorded more than 30 saves in three straight seasons for the Boston Red Sox (2016-18) before his performance started to decline.

He bounced around with seven major league teams over the past seven seasons. Last season, Kimbrel pitched in 42 minor league games for the Braves, Texas Rangers and Houston Astros organizations and made just 14 appearances in the majors, 13 coming with Houston and one with Atlanta.

Overall, he is 56-48 with a 2.58 ERA in 851 career relief appearances.

Initial reports Saturday did not include a corresponding transaction. Right-handed starter Clay Holmes was removed in the sixth inning of Friday's 4-0 loss to the visiting Athletics with left hamstring tightness.

--Field Level Media

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