Mets Impressed by Craig Kimbrel's 'Unreal' Presence as He Vies for Roster Spot

The veteran closer draws praise from manager Carlos Mendoza during spring training

Published on Feb. 23, 2026

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Even as a non-roster invitee to camp, veteran closer Craig Kimbrel is turning heads with the Mets. The 37-year-old, who has amassed 440 saves over his 16-year MLB career, impressed manager Carlos Mendoza with his "unreal" presence and humble demeanor during live batting practice sessions, including facing off against star outfielder Juan Soto.

Why it matters

Kimbrel, a possible future Hall of Famer, is looking to earn a spot on the Mets' roster this spring. His performance and leadership could be a major boost to the team's bullpen as they aim to contend in 2026.

The details

Kimbrel threw an inning of live batting practice on Wednesday, facing off against Soto. While Soto recorded an infield grounder and a walk, Mendoza was impressed by Kimbrel's "sweeper", curveball, and new cutter. Mendoza praised Kimbrel's humble and respectful approach, saying the veteran is "open to share experiences" despite his accomplished career.

  • Kimbrel threw live batting practice for the Mets on February 18, 2026.

The players

Craig Kimbrel

A 37-year-old veteran closer who is a non-roster invitee to Mets spring training, and has amassed 440 saves over his 16-year MLB career, making him a possible future Hall of Famer.

Carlos Mendoza

The manager of the New York Mets.

Juan Soto

A star outfielder for the Mets who faced off against Kimbrel in live batting practice.

David Stearns

The president of baseball operations for the New York Mets.

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What they’re saying

“[Kimbrel's] presence, it's unreal. We know the sweeper is good, the curveball and he's also got the cutter now that he's playing around with. He's going to get a chance here.”

— Carlos Mendoza, Manager (New York Post)

“Just the way he carries himself, a humble guy. We're talking about a guy that is pretty close to a Hall of Fame career. He's out there like he is a rookie, how respectful he is, how open he is to share experiences. It's been great to have him here.”

— Carlos Mendoza, Manager (New York Post)

“The state-of-the-art complex that we're going to build here will provide our athletes and our coaches with everything they can possibly need. It's going to cement us as the preeminent development organization in baseball, starting with our brand-new complex in the Dominican, extending here to our home in Florida and stretching through every affiliate that we have throughout the country.”

— David Stearns, President of Baseball Operations (New York Post)

What’s next

The Mets will continue to evaluate Kimbrel's performance during spring training as he competes for a roster spot on the team.

The takeaway

Kimbrel's impressive presence and humble approach have earned the respect of the Mets' coaching staff, and his potential addition to the bullpen could be a major boost as the team aims to contend in 2026.