Mets Designate Craig Kimbrel for Assignment, Recall Jonah Tong

The New York Mets have designated veteran reliever Craig Kimbrel for assignment and recalled right-hander Jonah Tong from Triple-A Syracuse. The move comes as the Mets continue to reshape their roster, prioritizing youth and flexibility in the wake of injuries and underperformance.

Kimbrel, 37, signed a minor league contract with the Mets in 2026 that would pay him $2.5 million if selected to the 25-man roster. The club selected his contract in early April and he has made 15 appearances, pitching 15 innings with a 6.00 ERA. His underlying numbers, 23.4% strikeout rate, 9.4% walk rate, and a 4.90 FIP, suggest better performance than the results indicate. However, with a .325 batting average on balls in play and a 15.8% home run to fly ball rate, the Mets have decided to move on.

This is the latest in a series of roster adjustments by the Mets. In recent weeks, the club has released Tommy Pham, Andy Ibáñez, and Austin Slater and promoted A.J. Ewing, Nick Morabito, Zach Thornton, and now Tong. Kimbrel’s DFA opens a roster spot but does not guarantee a trade. His $2.5 million contract and age may limit interest, though some teams could pursue him on a waiver claim later in the season.

If Kimbrel is claimed on waivers, the claiming team would only owe him a prorated portion of the league minimum salary. His track record, 195 career saves and a 2.81 career ERA, could entice a contender in need of a late-inning arm. However, his recent performance remains a concern, and the Mets may opt to place him on outright waivers if no club shows interest.

Tong, 29, is expected to provide additional depth in the Mets’ bullpen or as a spot starter. He has started 12 games for Syracuse this season with a 5.68 ERA. With Clay Holmes on the injured list and Tobias Myers limited to short relief outings, the Mets need a reliable arm. Tong may see time in long relief or get a chance to start if Myers struggles or the rotation remains in flux.

The Mets currently have four starters in Freddy Peralta, Nolan McLean, Christian Scott, and David Peterson, who carries a 5.00 ERA. Zach Thornton made his major league debut this week but struggled with four earned runs in 4 1/3 innings. The situation remains fluid, and the Mets may look to finalize their rotation by the end of the week.