The New York Mets made a significant roster move on Friday, designating former Boston Red Sox World Series champion Craig Kimbrel for assignment to make room for Jonah Tong. Kimbrel, who inked a minor league deal with the Mets back in January, had been called up on April 11 and took the mound in 14 games. However, his performance, marked by a 6.00 ERA, left much to be desired.
The Mets now face a decision: trade Kimbrel or place him on waivers. Should he clear waivers, Kimbrel would become a free agent once more, opening the door for other teams to potentially bring him on board.
Kimbrel’s career has been nothing short of illustrious. A nine-time All-Star, he was a key figure in the Red Sox’s 2018 World Series triumph.
During his three seasons with Boston, he appeared in 187 games, boasting a 2.44 ERA and racking up 108 saves. His postseason contributions in 2018, which included six critical saves, cemented his legacy as one of the game’s elite closers.
However, the past couple of years have been challenging for Kimbrel. Since 2024, he’s struggled, posting a 4.99 ERA across 85 outings. Once a dominant force in the ninth inning, Kimbrel’s reliability has waned, and his stint with the Mets didn’t provide the resurgence many hoped for.
As Kimbrel navigates his 17th season, his ability to overpower hitters isn’t what it used to be. Yet, there’s a glimmer of hope that with the right adjustments, he could still serve as a useful asset in a bullpen, albeit likely in a middle-inning role rather than as a closer. While his days of shutting down games may be behind him, the potential for reinvention remains for this seasoned veteran.
