Craig Kimbrel opted for free agency, according to his transaction log on MLB.com. The Mets designated the right-hander for assignment last week, and he went off waivers outright. The nine-time All-Star is now free to look to continue his career elsewhere.
Kimbrel will turn 38 years old later this week, and he no longer has the best offense he ever had. His fastball, which used to touch triple digits, is now 93.6 mph. His curveball doesn’t miss bats the way it did for years. Although he has changed his arsenal to try to compensate, it cannot be denied that his best days are behind him. However, he has shown a clear desire to expand his career. Since being released by the Orioles in September 2024, he has signed deals with the Braves, Rangers, Astros, and Mets. He was not afraid to run in small teams if it means another goal that shows that he still deserves titles.
To Kimbrel’s credit, he has never stopped showing signs of promise, even if there have been more downs than ups over the past few years. Besides his 5.33 ERA in 2024 and his 6.00 ERA this year with the Mets, he owns a 4.28 xERA and 3.51 SIERA over the past three seasons, thanks to solid strikeout numbers and a continued ability to squeeze out tough contact. While his modern-day arsenal may look disappointing compared to the past, he still has better stuff than most pitchers you’ll find in Triple-A. So, while Kimbrel may not have another chance to add to his career save total (440, fifth all-time), he should be able to find another club willing to give him a shot at a minor league contract.
