Former Closer Craig Kimbrel Promoted To Mets' Bullpen

The name draws a lot of anticipation, but can right-handed reliever Craig Kimbrel turn around the perception of the later stages of his career?

The New York Mets are about to find out.

The 37-year-old Kimbrel was called up Saturday, with left-handed reliever Richard Lovelady being designated for assignment. Kimbrel, who signed a minor-league contract in late January, will make $2.5 million this season with his promotion to the 26-man roster. The Mets' bullpen is off to a terrific start with a 2.85 ERA entering Saturday's game against the A's.

Kimbrel, a nine-time All-Star and two-time Reliever of the Year, had a shot to make the Mets out of spring training, but his velocity and control weren't where they needed to be, so he stayed in Port St. Lucie to work on those aspects. He pitched Tuesday in his lone appearance for the Low-A St. Lucie Mets and hit 94.2 mph with his fastball, just above where it was in spring training.

Once a feared closer, Kimbrel ranks fifth in MLB history with 440 saves. But he has had trouble keeping a job, playing for seven teams over the past five seasons. The Mets will make that eight in six seasons. He appeared in 14 games in 2025, 13 with the Houston Astros and one with Atlanta. In 12 innings, he had a 4.22 FIP (2.25 ERA) with seven walks and 17 strikeouts. He also had a walloping 1.417 WHIP.

Lovelady was DFA'd for the seventh time since the start of the 2025 season, including five times by the Mets. This is the third time this calendar year he has been DFA'd, twice by the Mets. Lovelady appeared in six games this year for the Mets, with a 4.92 FIP (3.68 ERA) in 7⅓ innings.