Mets Sign Kimbrel to Minor League Contract

The New York Mets bolstered their bullpen depth on Saturday by signing veteran reliever Craig Kimbrel to a minor league contract that includes an invitation to major league spring training, according to multiple reports.

Kimbrel, a 37-year-old right-hander and nine-time All-Star, brings a wealth of experience to a Mets relief corps that has seen significant turnover this offseason. The deal, first reported by Jon Heyman of the New York Post, offers Kimbrel a chance to compete for a spot on the 40-man roster during spring training. If he earns a major league position, he would receive a base salary of $2.5 million, sources said.

One of the most accomplished closers in baseball history, Kimbrel holds the fifth-most saves all-time with 440, trailing only active leader Kenley Jansen. His career statistics include a 2.58 earned-run average, 1.02 walks-plus-hits-per-inning ratio and 1,282 strikeouts over 851 appearances spanning 16 seasons. As a rookie with the Atlanta Braves in 2011, he set a record with 46 saves, earned the National League Rookie of the Year award and posted a 2.10 ERA with 127 strikeouts in 77 innings.

Kimbrel's path to New York reflects both his pedigree and recent...