Mets Add Craig Kimbrel on Minor League Deal as Astros Fans Watch Bullpen Market

Veteran closer Craig Kimbrel is getting another shot at extending his decorated MLB career. The New York Mets signed the nine-time All-Star to a minor league deal with an invitation to spring training, according to a report from NHRegister. While the move isn't directly tied to the Houston Astros, it matters for anyone watching how the bullpen market continues to shift ahead of the 2025 season.

Kimbrel, 36, struggled with consistency last year but still showed flashes of his trademark strikeout-heavy dominance. The Mets hope he can rediscover enough of his past form to support their late-inning group, but the signing also signals how clubs across the league are approaching veteran reliever depth.

What This Means for the Astros

The Astros enter the season with a strong core in the bullpen, but injuries and heavy workloads always leave room for depth concerns. Seeing teams like the Mets stockpile experienced arms highlights a broader trend that Houston fans know well: pitching depth wins seasons.

Houston has leaned on a mix of rising talent and seasoned vets in recent years. While Kimbrel never appeared on the Astros’ radar this offseason, his minor league deal reflects a market where proven arms can still be found at relatively low risk. If he pitches well in New York’s camp, the deal could quickly become one of the offseason’s more savvy bullpen moves.

Why It Matters

Relief pitching shapes postseason contenders, and even moves outside of Houston can ripple across the league. If Kimbrel rebounds, the Mets could gain a reliable late-inning option—and other teams, including the Astros, may feel pressure to match strengthened bullpens around them.

For Houston fans tracking the broader MLB landscape, signings like this provide insight into how the competitive balance evolves before Opening Day.

This article is a summary of reporting by NHRegister. Read the full story here.