Craig Kimbrel is returning to the big leagues, as the New York Post’s Jon Heyman reports that the Mets will be selecting the veteran reliever’s contract.  The Mets have two open spots on their 40-man roster, but will need to make a corresponding transaction to create space for Kimbrel on the 26-man active roster.

As per the terms of the minor league contract Kimbrel signed in January, the SportsMeter client will now earn $2.5MM by being added to the active roster.  Kimbrel had more than enough service time to qualify as an Article XX(B) free agent, and thus his minors deal contained three built-in opt-out dates (five days before Opening Day, May 1, June 1).  While New York didn’t include Kimbrel on its Opening Day roster, Kimbrel agreed to pass on his first opt-out opportunity and bide his time in the minors, which consisted of a single inning of work for the Mets’ A-level affiliate in St. Lucie.

Forty-six different players pitched for the Mets in 2025.  That eye-popping number reflects both the team’s injury problems last year, and the Mets’ habit of cycling fresh arms up into the bullpen from Triple-A, and sending other relievers either to the minors (if they have options) or to DFA limbo.  Huascar Brazoban and Tobias Myers are the only pitchers in New York’s current bullpen who have minor league options remaining, and Myers tossed 36 pitches last night in a long relief outing after starter Clay Holmes left due to hamstring tightness.  If Myers isn’t sent down, Richard Lovelady could be a candidate to be designated for assignment to make way for Kimbrel.

More to come…