Carlos Mendoza breaks down Craig Kimbrel’s spring training
Having a good bullpen is basically a prerequisite for a run at the World Series crown. This has been tested and proven over the past decade, and The New York Mets know that having a reliable aid corps would go a long way in starting the arc of redemption they hope to embark on in 2026.
Doc Craig Kimbrel it’s nowhere near the relief it once was, the The Mets still decided to take a chance on the veteran, signing him to a minor league contract with an invitation to Spring Training. Kimbrel is already 37 years old, and the fastball that once singled him out as one of the most dangerous closers in MLB is a thing of the past.
Still, the Mets manager Carlos Mendoza saw some “signs of life” from Kimbrel during his performance Saturday in Spring Training action.
“We saw some 92-93, life on the fastball, form on the breaking ball. It was a good sign today,” Mendoza said in his postgame presser.
“We saw some 92-93, life on the fastball, form on the breaking ball.”
Carlos Mendoza talks about what he saw from Craig Kimbrel today: pic.tvitter.com/ASjzzivJnI
— SNI (@SNItv) February 28, 2026
Kimbrel isn’t a guarantee to make the Mets’ Opening Day roster, though if he continues to accelerate his progress, he could end up being a solid weapon out of the bullpen, as he’s shown in recent years to still be a reliable late-game arm.
Craig Kimbrel still has stuff, but is it enough for the Mets?
Even with Kimbrel’s velocity on the decline over the last few years, he still has some nasty stuff that confounds even the best hitters in MLB. His curveball and slider remain dangerous weapons for him, though they have become more telegraphed due to the decline of his four-seater.
Regardless, he’s still struck out about 12 batters in nine innings over the past three seasons, and maybe if the Mets can help him with his command and field placement, he could make the Opening Day roster.
2026-03-01 05:53:00
