When the New York Mets signed veteran closer Craig Kimbrel to a minor league deal, experience and success as a setup man were perhaps the two things he brings to what is slated to be a new-look Mets bullpen in 2026.
Kimbrel was a non-roster invite to spring training, meaning the 37-year-old, who is likely heading to the Hall of Fame when he hangs up his cleats, will have to try and earn a roster spot this spring with the Mets. Despite that level of uncertainty for the veteran right-hander, Kimbrel still has so much love for the game of baseball.
“I love playing the game,” Kimbrel said in an exclusive interview with Anthony DiComo of MLB.com. “I love competing, standing on the mound. … I take that very seriously. I want to go out there and compete and be a part of that, the high-pressure stuff. I’m getting a little excited just talking about it. So the fact that I still want to do that, there’s no reason for me to be at home watching the game.”