Mets Activate Craig Kimbrel as Season Enters Second Week The New York Mets made a significant roster move just days into the 2025 season by activating right-handed reliever Craig Kimbrel from their minor league affiliate, marking a pivotal moment for the team’s bullpen. The decision came ahead of Saturday’s game, with the club also designating left-hander Richard Lovelady for assignment. Kimbrel, a 37-year-old veteran with a storied career, signed a $2.5 million minor league contract that became guaranteed upon his activation. The move signals the Mets’ confidence in his ability to contribute as a high-leverage reliever, despite recent struggles in maintaining his velocity and control. Kimbrel’s callup was not entirely unexpected, as he had been a favorite to break camp with the Mets during spring training. However, his performance during the pre-season was marred by velocity issues and inconsistent command, which kept him sidelined. Despite these challenges, Kimbrel chose to remain in Port St. Lucie, Florida, rather than opt out of his contract. His decision to stay paid off with a strong debut for Single-A St. Lucie, where he reached a top speed of 94.2 mph—a slight improvement from his spring training outings. The Mets’ activation of Kimbrel came just days after his first appearance with the team, during a 11-6 loss to the Oakland Athletics. In his debut, Kimbrel pitched a scoreless seventh inning, allowing a single and a line drive to the warning track while striking out two batters. While his velocity dipped slightly from his spring training performance, the outing was seen as a positive step forward.#new_york_mets #oakland_athletics #craig_kimbrel #port_st_lucie #single_a_st_lucie
