Two Former Red Sox Players Join Mets' Minor League Roster

Veteran closer Craig Kimbrel and outfielder Tommy Pham head to St. Lucie Mets

Apr. 8, 2026 at 7:19pm

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

A cubist-style painting featuring fragmented, geometric shapes in bold colors representing baseball players and a baseball diamond, conveying the dynamic energy and multiple perspectives of the sport.Two former Red Sox stars look to revive their careers with the Mets' minor league affiliate.Syracuse Today

The St. Lucie Mets, the High-A affiliate of the New York Mets, have added two former Boston Red Sox players to their roster - veteran closer Craig Kimbrel and outfielder Tommy Pham. Kimbrel, a seven-time All-Star, signed with the Mets in January but did not make the major league roster. Pham, who played 53 games for the Red Sox in 2022, also joined the Mets on a minor league deal in late March.

Why it matters

The additions of Kimbrel and Pham provide the Mets with experienced MLB talent at the minor league level as they look to build organizational depth and potentially bring up reinforcements to the big league club later in the season.

The details

Kimbrel, 37, is second among active MLB pitchers with 440 career saves. He spent three seasons with the Red Sox from 2016-2018, making the All-Star team each year and helping the team win the 2018 World Series. Pham, 35, has appeared in 1,241 career MLB games with 10 different teams, including 53 contests with the Red Sox in 2022.

  • On January 4, 2026, the New York Mets signed Craig Kimbrel to a minor league contract.
  • On March 28, 2026, the New York Mets signed Tommy Pham to a minor league contract.
  • On April 8, 2026, the St. Lucie Mets added Kimbrel and Pham to their roster from the Syracuse development list.

The players

Craig Kimbrel

A seven-time MLB All-Star closer who ranks second among active pitchers with 440 career saves. Kimbrel spent three seasons with the Boston Red Sox from 2016-2018, helping the team win the 2018 World Series.

Tommy Pham

A veteran outfielder who has appeared in 1,241 career MLB games with 10 different teams, including 53 games with the Boston Red Sox in 2022.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What they’re saying

“Today, in Florida State League transactions: The St. Lucie Mets have added RHP Craig Kimbrel and OF Tommy Pham to their roster from the Syracuse development list.”

— Sam Dykstra, MLB Pipeline reporter

What’s next

Kimbrel and Pham will look to use their time with the St. Lucie Mets to prove they still have what it takes to contribute at the major league level and potentially earn a call-up to the New York Mets later this season.

The takeaway

The additions of veteran players like Kimbrel and Pham to the Mets' minor league system demonstrate the organization's commitment to building organizational depth and providing experienced options to potentially help the big league club as the season progresses.