The Mets are wrapping up what’s turned into one hell of an offseason turnaround. After missing out on Kyle Tucker early on, they’ve been on a tear that’s completely reshaped their roster.
The latest move? They’re bringing in Craig Kimbrel on a minor league deal with a spring training invite.
MLB Trade Rumors’ Charlie Wright reported the signing includes a $2.5 million base salary if Kimbrel makes the team. It’s the kind of low-risk move that could pay off big if the veteran closer has anything left in the tank.
The Offseason That Changed Everything
Let’s put this in context. Just weeks ago, the Mets looked like they were having a disaster of a winter. The Tucker pursuit fell through, and it felt like another case of the organization coming up short on their big targets.
Then everything flipped.
The Mets landed Bo Bichette on a three-year, $126 million deal, giving them the dynamic infielder they needed. ESPN’s Jorge Castillo confirmed they followed that up by acquiring Freddy Peralta and Tobias Myers from Milwaukee, sending prospects Brandon Sproat and Jett Williams the other way.
They also secured their centerfield situation with Luis Robert Jr.
All of this happened in the span of just a few days.
Why Kimbrel Makes Sense
The Kimbrel signing might not grab headlines like the Bichette contract, but it’s exactly the type of move that championship teams make. You’re talking about a guy who’s been closing games at the highest level for over a decade.
Sure, he’s not the dominant force he was during his peak years in Atlanta and Boston. But for a team that’s clearly going all-in, having that kind of experience in the bullpen could be huge come October.
The minor league structure gives the Mets flexibility. If Kimbrel looks good in spring training, he’s got a clear path to the roster. If not, they’re not stuck with a big contract.
What makes this interesting is how it fits into the bigger picture. The Mets have been aggressive all winter, and this feels like them covering every possible angle. They’ve got their rotation figured out with Peralta, they’ve upgraded the lineup significantly, and now they’re adding bullpen depth with proven playoff experience.
From where I’m sitting, this offseason has completely changed how we should view the Mets heading into 2025. They’ve gone from a team that looked like it was treading water to one that’s clearly making a serious run at contention.
The Kimbrel signing might be the smallest move of their winter, but it could end up being one of the smartest.
