Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›
The New York Mets have informed veteran closer Craig Kimbrel that he will not be on the team’s Opening Day roster when they face the Pittsburgh Pirates on Thursday. Kimbrel, who signed a minor league deal with the Mets in the offseason, struggled with his command and velocity during spring training, leading the team to decide against including him in their bullpen plans to start the season.
Why it matters
Kimbrel’s exclusion from the Mets’ bullpen is a surprising move, as the 37-year-old future Hall of Famer was expected to provide veteran leadership and experience to the team’s relief corps. The Mets are now left to determine who will fill the final spot in their bullpen, with left-handers Bryan Hudson and Dick Lovelady the leading candidates.
The details
In six spring training appearances, Kimbrel walked five batters and hit two others, while his fastball velocity was down to just over 90 mph. The Mets were reportedly not comfortable using Kimbrel as a multi-inning reliever this season and did not think they could depend on him throwing 35+ pitches per outing.
On March 22, 2026, the Mets informed Kimbrel that he will not be on the Opening Day roster.On March 20, 2026, a source told Pat Ragazzo of Mets On SI that Kimbrel did not exercise his opt-out clause in his minor league deal.
The players
Craig Kimbrel
A future Hall of Fame closer who signed a minor league deal with the Mets in the offseason.
Carlos Mendoza
The manager of the New York Mets.
Bryan Hudson
A left-handed pitcher in the Mets’ bullpen competition.
Dick Lovelady
A left-handed pitcher recently claimed off waivers by the Mets, who is also in the bullpen competition.
Sean Manaea
A Mets pitcher who the team plans to use in a piggyback role to start the season.
Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›
What they’re saying
“Now he’s deciding whether he wants to stay, which looks like he’s leaning that way… but he’s also going to look around for opportunities”
— Carlos Mendoza, Mets Manager
What’s next
The Mets will need to determine who will fill the final spot in their bullpen, with left-handers Bryan Hudson and Dick Lovelady the leading candidates.
The takeaway
Kimbrel’s exclusion from the Mets’ bullpen to start the season is a surprising move, as the future Hall of Famer was expected to provide veteran leadership and experience to the team’s relief corps. The Mets now face the challenge of finding the right mix of pitchers to fill out their bullpen, with the final spot potentially coming down to a competition between Hudson and Lovelady.