Mets designate – The Mets recalled right-hander Jonah Tong from Triple-A Syracuse and designated Craig Kimbrel for assignment in a move that underscores how quickly roles are changing for their bullpen and rotation depth. Kimbrel, once an elite closer, has posted a 6.00 ERA ac
The Mets didn’t waste any time turning the page.
Jonah Tong was recalled from Triple-A Syracuse. and at the same time. Craig Kimbrel—fresh off another season where results haven’t matched his reputation—was designated for assignment. For Kimbrel, it’s a sharp reset. For Tong, it’s an immediate shot at sticking around, even as the big-league picture around him is still unsettled.
Kimbrel, 38 next week, is remembered as one of the best closers of his generation. But in recent years, his role has shifted from essential to fringe. Coming into 2026, he had to settle for a minor league deal with the Mets. That contract would pay him $2.5MM if his contract was selected. He was added to the roster a couple of weeks into the season.
Since then. he has tossed 15 innings for the Mets and allowed 10 earned runs. leaving him with a flat earned run average of 6.00. The surface numbers are harsh, and they don’t tell the full story. His 23.4% strikeout rate and 9.4% walk rate are both right around league average. His .325 batting average on balls in play and 56.2% strand rate are both on the unfortunate side. as is his 15.8% home run to fly ball ratio. Even so, measures like his 4.90 FIP and 3.76 SIERA suggest he has deserved better in this relatively small sample.
Still, the Mets moved on.
The decision sits inside a broader pattern in the organization’s last month or so: they have seemed willing to lean into a youth movement. Veteran names like Tommy Pham. Andy Ibáñez and Austin Slater have been let go. while players such as A.J. Ewing, Nick Morabito and Zach Thornton have been called up. Now Tong replaces another familiar bullpen option in the day-to-day mix.
For Kimbrel. the next stage is “DFA limbo.” The Mets could explore trade interest. but the odds are limited by the details: it’s late-30s pricing. a 6.00 ERA. and a contract that pays a few million. A more likely pathway is that he is placed on waivers and clears. leaving the Mets responsible for the remainder of the money.
If he clears waivers, interest could rise quickly. Clubs would then be able to sign Kimbrel and would owe him only the prorated portion of the league minimum salary for any time he spends on the roster. His ERA is high. but with his underlying numbers and his career track record still on the ledger. at least one team may decide the low cost is worth the risk.
Tong, meanwhile, is walking into a situation that could use innings—especially in a rotation that has already taken a hit.
It’s unclear what role he will play. This year, he has been starting in Triple-A, but he carries a 5.68 ERA. In New York, the big league rotation took another blow when Clay Holmes was placed on the injured list. Holmes is dealing with a fractured fibula that is expected to keep him out for a few months.
Tobias Myers is starting today, but he also enters with limits. He has starting experience. yet he hasn’t had an outing longer than two innings in the past three weeks. so he likely won’t go deep into the game. Sean Manaea can work long relief, and Tong could give the Mets another option in that department.
The rotation situation is filled out by current names: Freddy Peralta. Nolan McLean. Christian Scott and David Peterson hold four spots. Thornton made his debut this week but allowed four earned runs in 4 1/3 innings. Peterson has an ERA north of 5.00. and the Mets may not want him guaranteed to stay locked into the plan going forward.
For a team reshaping its roster while it waits for healthier bodies, Kimbrel’s DFA and Tong’s recall feel like two sides of the same equation—one door closing quickly, one opening just as suddenly.
Mets Jonah Tong Craig Kimbrel DFA Triple-A Syracuse Clay Holmes fractured fibula Tobias Myers Sean Manaea Freddy Peralta Nolan McLean Christian Scott David Peterson Zach Thornton