The New York Mets are putting the finishing touches on their roster ahead of Opening Day, with most decisions reportedly made by manager Carlos Mendoza, though one bullpen spot remains undecided.
Several options are still in the mix, including veteran reliever and World Series champion Craig Kimbrel, who is competing against lefty Bryan Hudson, right-hander Austin Warren, and lefty Richard Lovelady.
Kimbrel, who signed a minor-league deal with a spring training invite on January 29, would earn a $2.5 million base salary if he makes the team, and Mendoza has praised his fastball, noting it sits around 93 mph “with late life.” In five appearances this spring, Kimbrel has posted a 3.60 ERA, but the coaching staff is evaluating more than just numbers, focusing on his mechanics, velocity, and ability to perform under pressure.
Given his decorated career, Kimbrel is unlikely to accept a demotion to Triple-A, and the Mets face a choice: include him in the bullpen or risk losing him to another organization.
His performances in spring training, however, indicate he could be deserving of a roster spot for Opening Day against the Pittsburgh Pirates on March 26.
This final bullpen decision highlights the delicate balancing act between rewarding veteran experience and managing roster flexibility, as the Mets look to field their strongest possible team out of the gate.
The outcome will also signal how Mendoza values spring training performance versus career pedigree in shaping his Opening Day roster.
