Reports: Mets to sign reliever Craig Kimbrel to minor-league deal

Field Level Media|published: Sun 25th January, 11:47 2026

Sep 7, 2025; Arlington, Texas, USA; Houston Astros relief pitcher Craig Kimbrel (46) pitches against the Texas Rangers during the eighth inning at Globe Life Field. Mandatory Credit: Jerome Miron-Imagn Images

The New York Mets are signing right-handed relief pitcher Kimbrel to a minor league deal and inviting him to spring training, multiple outlets reported.

Per a report late Saturday from The Athletic, Kimbrel will earn $2.5 million if he makes the major league roster.

Kimbrel, 37, was 0-1 with 2.25 ERA last season, in 14 appearances split between the Atlanta Braves and Houston Astros.

He has has 440 career saves, a total that is second only to Kenley Jansen's 476 among active major league pitchers and fifth all-time. The other three closers -- Mariano Rivera (652), Trevor Hoffman (601) and Lee Smith (478), are in the Baseball Hall of Fame.

Kimbrel was the 2011 National League Rookie of the Year with the Braves and is a nine-time All-Star. From 2011-14, he had a 1.51 ERA and 185 saves, making him one of the best closers in baseball over that period.

But Kimbrel has been less than dominating in recent years, putting up a 3.83 ERA for the past seven seasons.

He has played for nine teams during his MLB career

-Field Level Media

Latest