Fan Favorite Underdog Reliever Hopes To Make Mets Opening Day Roster

Craig Kimbrel is far away from his former self when he dominated for Boston. Struggling in recent years, Kimbrel signed a minor league contract with the New York Mets this offseason. The veteran righty, whose 440 career saves rank second-most among active pitchers, came to New York knowing he had to show up in spring training to make the opening day 26-man roster.

Kimbrel’s velocity is still down from his superstar days, but overall he seems satisfied with how he’s done. 

“My body feels good. I wish I could show a little bit more out there velocity-wise,” said Kimbrel, who also stated, “I’m throwing most of my pitches like I want to, but not all of them. That’s about where I am.”

Kimbrel has posted a 3.60 ERA and a 1.600 WHIP in the spring for New York throughout five games, where he has pitched 5 innings. Kimbrel has struggled with his control this spring, walking five batters and hitting another two. 

Nonetheless, Kimbrel is considered a favorite to lock down the Mets’ one remaining bullpen role. Although inconsistent the past two seasons, Kimbrel did post a 2.25 ERA with Baltimore in 2025 with 17 k’s, albeit in 12 innings of work.

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