9-Time All-Star Will NOT Make New York Mets Roster

It wasn't an overly impressive spring for the 37-year-old former nine-time MLB All-Star. And with that, Craig Kimbrel has been told by the New York Mets that he will not be breaking camp with the team for the 2026 season, which begins this coming week.

The Mets have informed Craig Kimbrel that he will not be a member of their bullpen for Opening Day pic.twitter.com/rZvI0eXyfy
— SNY Mets (@SNY_Mets) March 22, 2026

Kimbrel is one of the top closers in the history of baseball, currently sitting 5th on baseball's all-time list with 440 saves. But his performance has dropped off considerably in recent seasons.

His Grapefruit League numbers for the Mets this spring included a 4.50 ERA, a 1.50 WHIP, and as many walks (5) as strikeouts (5) in six innings. He does have an opt-out clause in his minor league contract, if he would like to re-enter free agency and try to hook up with another team. But the Mets seem to think he'll stick around and pitch for them in the minors for now.

“Now he is deciding whether he wants to stay, which looks like he’s leaning that way,” manager Carlos Mendoza said. “He likes it here, he wants to win, but he also is going to look around for opportunities. But there’s a good chance he stays back here in Florida, to continue to pitch and [wait] until the opportunity presents.”

Kimbrel's control problems have resurfaced in a big way this spring, so he'll have to get that under control before he can be of any service to either the Mets, or any other team should he decide to move on.

The past two seasons, in struggles with the Boston Red Sox (2024) and the Atlanta Braves and Houston Astros, he's walked 5.3 batters per nine innings.

Kimbrel has a 2.58 career ERA in 16 seasons, with 14 K/9. He led the National League in saves for four straight years earlier in his career with the Atlanta Braves.