Analysts say the silent part was signed out loud by Craig Kimbrel-New York
With Craig Kimbrel on minor league contract with New York Metswhich includes an invitation to camp, many wonder if the 37-year-old pitcher still has the strength to deliver at an elite level. With The Mets are looking to bolster their team in the offseasonthe Kimbrel signing is interesting, and MLB Network analysts are having a real conversation about it.
Having been in the MLB since 201, he has impressive stats for a closer in the majors, one that Matt Vasgersian labeled as Hall of Fame worthy. However, he would ask Harold Reynolds on “Hot Furnace” if Kimbrel should “get the job” at this point in his career, with Reynolds explaining why he should.
“I think he has to win at this point because his last few rounds of fighting trying to show what he can do, it hasn’t been great,” Reynolds said. “When you hold the bar this high, being a Hall of Famer, people still want that kind of production. I think he’s shot because they need him in certain situations. For me, I’m curious how he’s going to perform when he’s not closing.”
“Does he technically have to get a job?” – Matty W
“Yeah, I think he has to win at this point.” – Harold#MLBNHotStove talks about the Mets’ minor league signing of Craig Kimbrel. pic.twitter.com/3ImCek2F7f— MLB Network (@MLBNetwork) January 31, 2026
Would the Mets “cut bait” on Craig Kimbrel?
While it is Mets sign hopeful players to have a better 2026, Kimberl’s minor league contract doesn’t come with certainty, leading many to believe there’s a chance he won’t make the major roster. For Vasgersian, that’s very hard for him to believe, despite Kimbrel’s last full season being with the Baltimore Orioles in 2024, where he had a 5.33 ERA.
“Because if he has two or three shaky outings in Mets minor league camp in early March, are you going to cut the bait? It’s like he’s a future Hall of Famer, you know how good this guy is when he’s right,” Vasgersian said.
It remains to be seen if Kimbrel could have a bounce-back season with New York in 2026, with spring training just around the corner as the team looks to return to the playoffs.
2026-01-31 16:20:00
