Mets Designate Veteran Reliever Craig Kimbrel for Assignment After Just 14 Appearances

New York Mets fans were met with a surprising roster move as the team designated veteran reliever Craig Kimbrel for assignment on Friday. The move comes after only 14 appearances with the club, signaling a significant change in the Mets’ bullpen strategy.

Kimbrel, 37, joined the Mets with expectations of bringing veteran stability and closing experience to a relief corps searching for consistency. However, after less than two months of action, the organization decided to part ways with the experienced right-hander. The designation for assignment gives the Mets seven days to trade, release, or outright Kimbrel to the minors if he clears waivers.

• Kimbrel made 14 appearances with New York in the 2026 season
• At 37 years old, Kimbrel is one of the most experienced bullpen arms in MLB
• He was designated for assignment on Friday, May 22, 2026

Kimbrel’s brief stint in Queens continues a turbulent late-career journey for the closer, who ranks among the top 10 all-time in MLB saves. While his signature high-velocity fastball and sharp curveball made him a dominant force earlier in his career, recent seasons have seen fluctuating effectiveness and increased walk rates.

The decision to designate Kimbrel reflects the Mets’ urgency to shake up a bullpen that has struggled with consistency in high-leverage situations. As the team battles for positioning in a competitive National League, front office leadership is clearly focused on maximizing every roster spot.

For Kimbrel, the move marks another turning point in a storied career that has included All-Star selections and a World Series championship. His immediate future remains uncertain, as interested teams will weigh his veteran pedigree against recent performance trends.

The Mets’ decision underscores the ever-present volatility of bullpen roles in Major League Baseball, especially for aging pitchers navigating the later stages of their careers. With Kimbrel’s status now in limbo, New York will look to younger arms or possible external additions to stabilize the late innings moving forward.