Mets Sign Craig Kimbrel to Minor League Deal

9-Time All-Star Aims for 10th Team in 2026 Comeback Attempt

Apr. 11, 2026 at 12:00am

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A fragmented, geometric painting depicting the motion of a baseball pitcher's delivery, with sharp planes of blue and orange representing the Mets' colors, conveying the conceptual idea of a veteran player's last shot at reviving his career.A cubist interpretation of a veteran pitcher's final chance to prove he still has the stuff to dominate at the highest level.Houston Today

The New York Mets have signed veteran relief pitcher Craig Kimbrel to a minor league contract, giving the 9-time All-Star a chance to revive his career with his 10th different MLB team at 37 years old. Kimbrel, who has 440 career saves, is looking to bounce back after spending time in the minors with the Rangers organization in 2025.

Why it matters

Kimbrel is a baseball legend, but his recent struggles have raised questions about whether he still has what it takes to compete at the highest level. The Mets are taking a chance on the veteran reliever in hopes that he can regain his dominant form and provide a boost to their bullpen as they aim to contend in the NL East.

The details

The Mets have signed Kimbrel to a minor league deal, giving him an opportunity to earn a spot on their major league roster. Kimbrel spent part of the 2025 season with the Braves and Astros, posting a 2.25 ERA over 14 games, but he also spent time in the Rangers' minor league system without getting called up to the big leagues.

  • Kimbrel signed his minor league deal with the Mets on April 11, 2026.
  • In 2025, Kimbrel played for both the Braves and Astros, maintaining a 2.25 ERA over 14 games.

The players

Craig Kimbrel

A 9-time MLB All-Star relief pitcher who has played for nine different teams over his 17-year career, and is now looking to make the Mets' roster as he aims for his 10th team.

New York Mets

The professional baseball team based in New York City that has signed Kimbrel to a minor league deal in hopes of bolstering their bullpen for the 2026 season.

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What’s next

The Mets will evaluate Kimbrel's performance in the minors to determine if he deserves a spot on their major league roster for the 2026 season.

The takeaway

The Mets' signing of Craig Kimbrel to a minor league deal is a high-risk, high-reward move that could pay dividends if the veteran reliever can recapture his dominant form, but it also carries the potential for disappointment if Kimbrel's best years are behind him.