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The New York Mets have informed veteran reliever Craig Kimbrel that he will not make their Opening Day roster after an uneven spring training performance. Kimbrel, a nine-time All-Star with 440 career saves, saw his fastball velocity sit around 93 mph during Grapefruit League play, down from his prime years. It remains unclear if Kimbrel will remain in the Mets’ organization, with the team considering releasing him from his minor league deal to allow him to seek other opportunities if he chooses.

Why it matters

Kimbrel’s potential departure from the Mets would be a significant loss for the team’s bullpen, as he is one of the most accomplished closers in MLB history. However, his struggles this spring have raised questions about whether he still has the stuff to be an effective reliever at the major league level.

The details

In six innings of spring training, Kimbrel allowed three runs with five walks, two hit batters, and five strikeouts. The Mets informed him on Sunday that he will not make their Opening Day roster. If Kimbrel remains in the organization, he could report to Triple-A Syracuse with a chance to help the Mets later this season. If not, the team may release him from his minor league deal, allowing him to seek opportunities elsewhere.

On Sunday, the Mets informed Kimbrel that he will not make their Opening Day roster.

The players

Craig Kimbrel

A nine-time MLB All-Star with 440 career saves, Kimbrel is a likely future Hall of Famer who has struggled with diminished velocity during spring training.

Bryan Hudson

A left-handed reliever competing for the Mets’ last bullpen spot, but has struggled this spring, allowing six earned runs over 3 1/3 innings.

Richard Lovelady

A left-handed reliever who was recently claimed off waivers by the Mets and is also competing for the team’s last bullpen spot.

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What’s next

If Kimbrel decides to remain in the Mets’ organization, he could report to Triple-A Syracuse with a chance to help the team later this season. If not, the Mets may release him from his minor league deal, allowing him to seek opportunities with other MLB teams.

The takeaway

Kimbrel’s potential departure from the Mets highlights the challenges facing even the most accomplished relievers as they age and struggle to maintain their elite stuff. The Mets will need to find alternative options to bolster their bullpen ahead of the 2026 season.