Mets Option Veteran Reliever Kimbrel to Triple-A

Nine-time All-Star struggles with declining velocity during spring training

Mar. 23, 2026 at 6:49am

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The New York Mets have optioned veteran relief pitcher Craig Kimbrel to their Triple-A affiliate, Syracuse, ahead of Opening Day. Kimbrel, a nine-time All-Star, struggled with diminished velocity and control during spring training, leading the Mets to send him down to the minors to start the season.

Why it matters

Kimbrel was signed by the Mets in the offseason on a minor league deal, hoping the 37-year-old could provide a veteran presence in their bullpen. His inability to make the major league roster is a setback for the Mets, who were counting on Kimbrel to be a reliable late-inning option.

The details

In six innings of spring training, Kimbrel gave up three runs with five walks and five strikeouts. His fastball velocity, which once sat near 100 mph, now averages around 93 mph. The Mets have informed Kimbrel he will not be on their Opening Day roster, but the team is interested in retaining him at Triple-A with the possibility of a call-up later in the season.

  • On Sunday, the New York Mets announced that Craig Kimbrel will not make the cut for their major league roster for Opening Day.
  • Kimbrel pitched six innings for the Mets in spring training, giving up three runs with five walks and five strikeouts.

The players

Craig Kimbrel

A 37-year-old right-handed relief pitcher who was signed by the Mets on a minor league deal in the offseason, hoping he could provide veteran experience in their bullpen.

Carlos Mendoza

The manager of the New York Mets.

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What they’re saying

“He's a total pro—well on his way to what is going to be a Hall of Fame career. It's not easy to deliver news to a guy like that. But for him to still consider staying with the team, it goes to show you what we're building here, who those guys are in that clubhouse, and who he is as well. We've now got to wait.”

— Carlos Mendoza, Mets Manager

What’s next

Should Kimbrel decide to remain in the organization, he could report to Triple-A Syracuse with a chance to help the Mets later this season. If not, the team would consider releasing him from the minor league deal he signed this winter.

The takeaway

This move highlights the Mets' difficult decision to part ways with a veteran like Kimbrel, who is nearing the end of his illustrious career. It also underscores the challenges aging pitchers face in maintaining their elite stuff as they get older, even for a future Hall of Famer like Kimbrel.