Mets Cut Veteran Reliever Craig Kimbrel

Kimbrel fails to make Mets' Opening Day roster after spring training tryout

Mar. 22, 2026 at 11:25pm

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The New York Mets have informed veteran right-handed relief pitcher Craig Kimbrel that he did not make the team's Opening Day roster, according to manager Carlos Mendoza. Kimbrel, a seven-time All-Star, was attempting to make the Mets' bullpen after signing a minor league contract with the team during the offseason.

Why it matters

Kimbrel is one of the most accomplished relief pitchers of his generation, with 394 career saves, but he has struggled with consistency and injuries in recent seasons. The Mets were hoping Kimbrel could provide veteran leadership and stability to their bullpen, but his failure to make the Opening Day roster is a setback in his quest to extend his 14-year MLB career.

The details

Mets manager Carlos Mendoza announced on Sunday that the team has informed Kimbrel he did not make the 26-man roster. Kimbrel was competing for a bullpen spot after signing a minor league deal with the Mets in the offseason. The 34-year-old had a 5.40 ERA in nine spring training appearances, struggling with his command and velocity at times.

  • Kimbrel signed a minor league contract with the Mets during the offseason.
  • Kimbrel competed for a bullpen spot during Mets spring training in March 2026.
  • Mets manager Carlos Mendoza announced Kimbrel did not make the Opening Day roster on March 22, 2026.

The players

Craig Kimbrel

A 34-year-old right-handed relief pitcher who is a seven-time MLB All-Star with 394 career saves, but has struggled with consistency and injuries in recent seasons.

Carlos Mendoza

The manager of the New York Mets.

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What they’re saying

“We must make the tough decisions that are best for the team, and unfortunately Craig did not make the roster.”

— Carlos Mendoza, Mets Manager

What’s next

Kimbrel will now have to decide whether to accept an assignment to the Mets' minor league system or seek opportunities with other MLB teams.

The takeaway

Kimbrel's failure to make the Mets' Opening Day roster is a setback in his quest to extend his 14-year MLB career, but the veteran reliever may still have opportunities to latch on with another team if he is willing to accept a minor league assignment or non-roster invite.