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Veteran Closer Craig Kimbrel Vies for Mets Roster Spot
The 38-year-old is working hard to make the Mets' bullpen despite diminished velocity
Published on Mar. 7, 2026
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Craig Kimbrel, a 16-year MLB veteran with 440 career saves, is fighting for a roster spot with the New York Mets this spring. Despite his fastball velocity declining, the 38-year-old is working to refine his repertoire and prove he can still be an effective reliever at this stage of his career.
Why it matters
Kimbrel is a future Hall of Famer who has been one of the most dominant closers of his era. If he can make the Mets' roster, it would be a testament to his work ethic and adaptability as he looks to extend his career. The Mets' bullpen is already crowded, so Kimbrel faces an uphill battle to earn a spot.
The details
Kimbrel's once-overpowering fastball has lost some velocity, now averaging around 92 mph. But he is working to boost that pitch and refine his slider, curveball and nascent cutter in order to remain effective. The Mets have five relievers on big-league deals, making the competition for the final bullpen spots fierce.
- Kimbrel is two months shy of his 38th birthday.
- Kimbrel threw a scoreless inning against the Marlins on Thursday.
The players
Craig Kimbrel
A 16-year MLB veteran with 440 career saves, Kimbrel is a future Hall of Famer who is fighting for a roster spot with the New York Mets this spring.
New York Mets
The MLB team that Kimbrel is trying to make the roster of, with a crowded bullpen that features five relievers on big-league deals.
What’s next
Kimbrel will continue to compete for a roster spot with the Mets throughout spring training. The team will have to make difficult decisions on their bullpen composition before the start of the regular season.
The takeaway
Craig Kimbrel's determination to adapt and extend his career in the face of diminished velocity is a testament to his work ethic and competitiveness. Even as an aging star, he is willing to make changes to his game in order to keep getting outs at the MLB level.
