Craig Kimbrel (37), a pitcher with 440 career saves in Major League Baseball, was released. He hoped to make a comeback this season but has not been able to.
The New York Mets on the 23rd (Korean time) called up pitcher Yona Tong, the team's No. 2 prospect and No. 36 on MLB Pipeline's top prospects, from Triple-A Syracuse, and placed veteran Kimbrel on the release waivers list.
Kimbrel, who served as a closer for Atlanta and Boston, struggled in 2024 with Baltimore, posting a 5.33 ERA in 57 games with a 7-5 record and 23 saves as his performance declined. He had six blown saves. In 2025 he appeared for Atlanta and Houston in 14 games with a 1-0 record, 2 holds and a 2.25 ERA. He spent more time in the minor leagues (42 games).
Kimbrel signed a minor league contract with the Mets this season and attended spring training. He did not make the major league roster and began the season in Triple-A. He was called up to the majors in mid-April. He appeared in 14 games, taking 2 losses with a 6.00 ERA. He threw 15 innings with 15 strikeouts and allowed 12 runs (10 earned).
Kimbrel played 17 MLB seasons, appearing in 865 games with a 56-50 record, 440 saves, a 2.65 ERA and 1,297 strikeouts. He won the National League rookie of the year award in 2011 after recording 46 saves for Atlanta. He led the National League in saves four consecutive years from 2011 to 2014. He was selected to the All-Star team nine times.
He ranks fifth on the MLB career saves list. Legendary closers Mariano Rivera leads with 652 saves and Trevor Hoffman is second with 601 saves. Kenley Jansen (483 saves) is the active leader and ranks third all time. Kimbrel is fifth all time, behind Lee Smith (478 saves), and is the second-highest active pitcher.
Facing his 38th birthday (May 28), Kimbrel ultimately received notice of his release. MLB.com reported that the Mets acquired one of the best young pitchers while parting ways with a pitcher likely headed for the Hall of Fame.
Mets manager Carlos Mendoza, referring to informing Kimbrel of the release, said it was really difficult. He said Kimbrel's performance on the field and his character off the field were both outstanding. He said Kimbrel understood the situation well and was very professional. But it was not an easy thing for me either. He said he respects him and hopes only good things lie ahead for him.
Mendoza added that he hopes the Mets can retain Kimbrel even if he clears waivers. Mendoza said, frankly, we would like to keep him on the team, and added that as far as they know he may have opportunities to play for other teams, especially given his recent pitching performance.
Teams in need of bullpen pitchers are expected to pick up Kimbrel, not as a closer but to use him in the sixth or seventh inning. <
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