The New York Mets made a quietly fascinating move by signing Craig Kimbrel to a minor league contract — a low-cost gamble on one of the most accomplished relief pitchers the game has ever seen. While the deal comes without guarantees, it brings a pitcher whose career résumé already stacks up with the greatest closers in Major League Baseball history.
If this signing pays off even modestly, the Mets could benefit both on the field and in the clubhouse.
A Dominant Career Across Baseball’s Biggest Stages
Craig Kimbrel debuted with the Atlanta Braves in 2010, immediately establishing himself as one of the most overpowering relievers in the sport. From 2011 to 2014, he was virtually untouchable, leading the National League in saves for four consecutive seasons.
His career path includes stops with:
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Atlanta Braves (2010–2014)
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San Diego Padres (2015)
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Boston Red Sox (2016–2018)
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Chicago Cubs (2019)
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Chicago White Sox (2021)
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Los Angeles Dodgers (2022)
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Philadelphia Phillies (2023)
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Baltimore Orioles (2024)
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Atlanta Braves (2025)
- Houston Astros (2025)
No matter the uniform, Kimbrel was trusted with the game on the line.
During his peak run with Atlanta:
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2011–2014 ERA: 1.43
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186 saves in four seasons
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Opponents hit under .170 against him
Even later in his career, Kimbrel continued to miss bats. In 2023 with the Phillies, he recorded 23 saves with a 3.26 ERA, proving he could still handle late-inning pressure well into his 30s.
Awards, Accolades, and Historical Rankings
Kimbrel’s trophy case is loaded:
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9× All-Star (2011–2014, 2016–2018, 2021)
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NL Rookie of the Year (2011)
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Reliever of the Year Awards
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World Series Champion (2018 Red Sox)
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Four-time saves leader
Historically, he ranks:
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5th all-time in saves
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Among the top 5 in career strikeout rate (minimum 500 innings)
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One of only a handful of relievers with 400+ saves and a sub-3.00 ERA
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Over 1,200 strikeouts in just over 750 innings
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Career strikeout rate above 14 K/9, one of the highest ever for a reliever
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Multiple seasons with 40+ saves, including 50 in 2013
Those benchmarks are why Hall of Fame discussions often include his name.
Why This Makes Sense for the Mets
This isn’t about turning back the clock. It’s about value.
On a minor league deal:
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The Mets assume almost no financial risk
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There’s no guaranteed roster spot
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Kimbrel must earn his way onto the team
If his fastball still sits in the mid-90s and his breaking ball remains sharp, Kimbrel could provide useful middle-to-late inning relief at a fraction of the cost of free-agent bullpen arms.
An Investment in the Next Generation
Beyond performance, Kimbrel’s presence carries enormous off-field value.
Few pitchers understand:
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Pitching with a one-run lead in October
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Adjusting mechanics as velocity dips
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Preparing mentally for high-leverage innings
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Longevity as a relief pitcher
For a Mets bullpen that includes younger, developing arms, having a pitcher who has closed postseason games, won championships, and reinvented himself multiple times is invaluable.
Low Risk, Legitimate Upside
If Kimbrel doesn’t make the roster, the Mets lose nothing.
If he does, they gain experience, depth, mentorship — and possibly effective innings.
That’s smart roster construction.
And sometimes, the smartest moves don’t come with guarantees — just opportunity.