Multiple media sources confirmed Saturday that the New York Mets will promote veteran reliever Craig Kimbrel from their minor league system.
The 37-year-old pitcher inked a minor league contract with New York back in January after bouncing between several organizations in recent years.
Kimbrel boasts an impressive resume as a nine-time All-Star selection and holds the fifth-highest save total in baseball history with 440. His standout rookie season in 2011 earned him National League Rookie of the Year honors while playing for Atlanta, marking the beginning of four consecutive seasons leading the NL in saves.
During his prime years, Kimbrel dominated as a closer, notching 39 saves with San Diego in 2015 and maintaining over 30 saves annually during his three-year stint with Boston from 2016 through 2018. However, his effectiveness began to wane after that period.
The veteran has moved frequently in recent years, suiting up for seven different major league clubs over the last seven seasons. In 2024, Kimbrel appeared in 42 minor league contests across three organizations – Atlanta, Texas, and Houston – while making only 14 big league appearances, with 13 coming for the Astros and one for the Braves.
Throughout his career, Kimbrel has compiled a 56-48 record with a 2.58 ERA across 851 relief outings.
Saturday’s initial reports did not specify which player would be sent down to make roster space. The move comes after right-handed starter Clay Holmes exited Friday’s 4-0 defeat to Oakland in the sixth inning due to left hamstring tightness.
