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Veteran Reliever Craig Kimbrel Battles for Mets Roster Spot
The former All-Star closer is fighting for a job on the Mets despite his impressive career accomplishments.
Feb. 15, 2026 at 6:31am
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Craig Kimbrel, a future Hall of Fame closer with the fifth-most saves in MLB history, finds himself in an unfamiliar position of having to earn a roster spot with the New York Mets this spring. The 37-year-old reliever is present in Mets camp wearing his familiar number 46, but without a guaranteed major league contract or job. Kimbrel remains driven to pitch at the highest level, despite being a few years removed from his prime.
Why it matters
Kimbrel's potential roster battle with the Mets is noteworthy given his decorated career and status as one of the most accomplished relievers of his era. His ability to make the Mets' roster could have significant implications for the team's bullpen depth and late-inning options.
The details
Kimbrel, who is a few months shy of his 38th birthday, is present in Mets camp on a non-guaranteed contract and must earn a spot on the major league roster. The veteran reliever, who has 394 career saves, believes he still has the ability to pitch at a high level despite being a few years removed from his prime. Kimbrel acknowledged that he can be "hard-headed" at times, but that mindset is what has allowed him to achieve great success in his career.
- Kimbrel is a few months shy of his 38th birthday.
The players
Craig Kimbrel
A future Hall of Fame closer who has the fifth-most saves in MLB history, Kimbrel is fighting for a roster spot with the New York Mets this spring despite his decorated career accomplishments.
What they’re saying
“If you feel like you still got it in you and you still got the drive to do it, I think I might have plenty of years to sit around at home and watch the game on TV. I still feel I have the ability to be successful and not just get by. I feel like I can still play this game at the highest level. It's what keeps me here. To a fault, sometimes I'm a little hard-headed, but I don't think I would have been able to do the things in this game that I have if I didn't have that mindset. And so I'm here.”
— Craig Kimbrel
The takeaway
Craig Kimbrel's battle for a roster spot with the Mets despite his impressive career accomplishments highlights the challenges even elite players can face as they age. Kimbrel's determination to continue pitching at the highest level, even if it means fighting for a job, underscores his passion for the game and the competitive drive that has defined his Hall of Fame-caliber career.
