Mets’ Craig Kimbrel reveals why he still wants to pitch in MLB

As the New York Mets have called up pitcher Craig Kimbrel to the major league level, the veteran star is looking to continue to make a difference, despite being in the twilight years of his career. With the Mets looking for some excitement in the 2026 season to start, Kimbrel could bring that as the pitcher speaks on the continued determination to play.

Kimbrel signed a minor-league deal with New York in the offseason, where he had an up-and-down spring training, leading to the team keeping him down there for the time being. However, the team has called him up, as Kimbrel describes the emotions he’s feeling, while giving insight into when it would be time to call it a career.

“I get an adrenaline boost every time I get an opportunity to pitch in a big league ballgame. Someone told me a long time ago, as soon as that goes away, it’s time to go home,” Kimbrel said, according to SNY Mets. “I still have that excitement and adrenaline to go out there and compete and put on a jersey. And then represent a city wherever that is, so I’m very excited for this opportunity, and hopefully I can make a difference.”

"I get an adrenaline boost every time I get an opportunity to pitch in a big league ballgame. Someone told me a long time ago, as soon as that goes away, it's time to go home."

– Craig Kimbrel pic.twitter.com/ol2O1oZqrc

— SNY Mets (@SNY_Mets) April 11, 2026

Mets’ Carlos Mendoza on throwing Craig Kimbrel in intense situations

Kimbrel’s career in the MLB speaks for itself, as he’s been one of the more productive relief pitchers since stepping into the league in 2010. With that experience, Mets manager Carlos Mendoza said there wouldn’t be any hesitation to put Kimbrel in “high-leverage” situations.

“If the game calls for a high-leverage, I’m not gonna hesitate,” Mendoza said, via ANY. “This guy is well on his way to being a Hall of Famer here; he’s not a guy that’s coming up to the big leagues for the first time. He’s been in those roles for a long time and had a pretty successful career.”

At any rate, it remains to be seen when Kimbrel makes his Mets debut in the regular season, with the team continuing the series against the Athletics on Saturday evening and Sunday afternoon.

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