Mar 3, 2026; Port St. Lucie, FL, USA; New York Mets pitcher Craig Kimbrel (46) delivers a pitch against Nicaragua during the fourth inning at Clover Park. Mandatory Credit: Sam Navarro-Imagn Images
Former All-Star closer Craig Kimbrel will not be included on the Mets’ Opening Day roster, manager Carlos Mendoza confirmed on Sunday.
The 37-year-old right-hander, who signed with New York this winter on a minor-league deal with an invite to big-league camp, posted a 4.50 ERA across six spring-training outings. With one open spot left in the bullpen, it is coming down to Bryan Hudson and Richard Lovelady.
The nine-time All-Star showed moments of promise throughout the exhibition slate as he continues to revamp his arsenal. He was working on instituting a cutter and a changeup into his rotation of pitches this spring, but it was not good enough to win him a spot — especially because he cannot be the multi-inning option that Mendoza and the Mets are looking for with that final opening in the pen.
“We’re looking for guys that can provide pitches,” Mendoza said. “In this scenario, especially early on, we see the value of that extra arm who can provide 35, 40 pitches if we need to. Even though Craig went two ups the other day, we’re not comfortable to get him there yet.”
Kimbrel is now weighing his options on how to move forward. He is considering staying with the Mets and continuing his work in Florida. Mendoza added that he is “leaning that way,” but he is also looking for opportunities where he could potentially join a team and make its big-league roster from the jump.
“The impact he’s had the last six weeks, he’s a total pro,” Mendoza said. “He’s on his way to what will 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 the clubhouse, and who he is. Now we just have to wait.”
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