Craig Kimbrel Elects Free Agency

Craig Kimbrel elected free agency after the Mets designated him for assignment and he cleared outright waivers unclaimed. He will turn 28 soon and no longer has the dominant strikeout profile from earlier seasons. His fastball now averages 93.6 mph and his curveball no longer misses bats at the same rate. He has diversified his pitch mix to compensate and has shown a willingness to pitch in the minor leagues to earn another major league opportunity. After being released by the Orioles in September 2024, he signed with the Braves, Rangers, Astros, and Mets. Despite recent ERAs, he has posted a 4.28 xERA and 3.51 SIERA over the last three seasons, with strikeout production and reduced hard contact. He may not add to his 440 saves total, but he should attract interest for a minor league contract.

"Craig Kimbrel has elected free agency, according to his transaction log on MLB.com. The Mets designated the right-hander for assignment last week, and he passed through outright waivers unclaimed. The nine-time All-Star is now free to look to continue his career elsewhere."

"Kimbrel will turn 28 later this week, and he no longer has the dominant strikeout stuff he once possessed. His fastball, which used to touch triple digits, now averages 93.6 mph. His curveball doesn't miss bats the way it did for so many years. While he has diversified his arsenal to try to compensate, there's no denying that his best days are behind him."

"Since being released by the Orioles in September 2024, he has signed deals with the Braves, Rangers, Astros, and Mets. He hasn't been afraid to pitch in the minor leagues if it means another shot to prove he's still worthy of the majors."

"Despite his 5.33 ERA in 2024 and his 6.00 ERA this year with the Mets, he owns a 4.28 xERA and a 3.51 SIERA over the last three seasons, thanks to solid strikeout numbers and a continued ability to suppress hard contact. Although his present-day arsenal might look disappointing compared to his vintage self, he still has better stuff than most pitchers you'll find in Triple-A."

Read at MLB Trade Rumors