Craig Kimbrel, currently second on the active saves leaderboard, has signed a minor league contract with the New York Mets that includes an invitation to spring training.

MLB Network insider Jon Heyman reported today that the New York Mets and veteran reliever Craig Kimbrel have agreed on a minor league contract including a spring training invitation. According to The Athletic’s reporter Will Sammon, if Kimbrel makes the major league roster, he will earn a $2.5 million salary, though the team has not yet officially confirmed the deal.

Kimbrel has recorded a total of 440 saves in his career, ranking second among active pitchers behind Kenley Jansen (476 saves) and fifth all-time in MLB history.

The 37-year-old Kimbrel played for the Atlanta Braves and Houston Astros last season, appearing in 14 games during his 16th major league season with a 2.25 ERA. This right-hander earned the National League Rookie of the Year award in 2011 while with the Braves, where he spent his first five MLB seasons. From 2011 to 2014, he was one of the league’s elite closers, posting a 1.51 ERA and accumulating 185 saves during that span.

The Mets have already bolstered their bullpen this offseason by signing right-handers Devin Williams, Luke Weaver, and Luis García. If Kimbrel performs well and makes the major league roster, he could become a key depth piece for the team.

After being traded to the Padres following the 2014 season, Kimbrel posted a 2.58 ERA and 39 saves in 2015, his only year with San Diego, before being traded to the Boston Red Sox.

During his three years in Boston, Kimbrel recorded a 2.44 ERA and 108 saves. Since joining the Chicago Cubs as a free agent in 2019, his career has seen ups and downs, with a 3.83 ERA over the past seven seasons.