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Mets Sign Nine-Time All-Star Kimbrel: A Hall of Fame Addition to the Bullpen
The Mets are taking a low-risk, high-reward gamble on the legendary closer in hopes of bolstering their bullpen for a championship run.
Apr. 13, 2026 at 3:55am
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A veteran closer's bid to recapture his Hall of Fame form could be the key to the Mets' postseason hopes.Port St. Lucie TodayThe New York Mets have signed nine-time MLB All-Star closer Craig Kimbrel to a minor league deal with a $2.5 million guarantee upon activation. At 37 years old, Kimbrel is nearing the end of his storied career, but the Mets are betting his experience and talent can still make a significant impact on their bullpen as they push for the playoffs.
Why it matters
Kimbrel is one of the most dominant closers in MLB history, with 440 career saves, the fifth-most all-time. Despite recent struggles, the Mets are hoping Kimbrel can recapture his elite form and provide a much-needed boost to their relief corps as they aim to contend for a championship.
The details
Kimbrel, who is 37 years old, has seen his performance decline over the past two seasons, with his ERA rising to 4.76. However, the Mets have reportedly seen him hitting 94.2 mph on the radar gun in recent outings, suggesting he still has the raw stuff that made him a nine-time All-Star. The Mets are taking a low-risk, high-reward gamble on Kimbrel, who chose to stay and work through his issues rather than opt out, indicating he still has the competitive drive to succeed at the highest level.
- Kimbrel recently worked out for the Mets in Port St. Lucie, Florida.
The players
Craig Kimbrel
A nine-time MLB All-Star closer who is fifth on the all-time saves list with 440 career saves.
New York Mets
A Major League Baseball team based in New York City that is currently in contention for a playoff spot.
What’s next
The Mets will monitor Kimbrel's progress in the minors and determine when to activate him to the major league roster.
The takeaway
This move by the Mets represents a calculated risk to bolster their bullpen with a legendary closer who is looking to prove he still has what it takes to dominate at the highest level. If Kimbrel can recapture his elite form, he could be the difference-maker the Mets need to make a deep playoff run.
