Is Craig Kimbrel done? Mets roster move signals retirement might be near

Is Craig Kimbrel done? Mets roster move signals retirement might be near originally appeared on The Sporting News. Add The Sporting News as a Preferred Source by clicking here.

Craig Kimbrel is going to pitch as long as he wants to pitch, somewhere.

But as far as MLB is concerned? He's getting very close to done with chances at the major league level.

The New York Mets designated Kimbrel for assignment on Friday to clear a roster spot for Jonah Tong.

Kimbrel goes on waivers now, and another team could claim him.

If he goes unclaimed, he can become a veteran free agent, or he could opt to report to Triple-A Syracuse.

Most likely, he'd choose free agency and look for another chance elsewhere. Will he get one?

Maybe, but it probably won't magically unlock Kimbrel's past ability.

MORE: Why Cam Schlittler used BABIP as a verb

What's next for Craig Kimbrel?

Kimbrel could get another contract, maybe with a non-contender.

But this season, he had a 6.00 ERA so far for the Mets. It continues a trend of struggles in recent seasons for the former superstar Braves closer.

Kimbrel's season has looked a lot like the picture at the top of this article, as he mills about the mound while the other team makes its way around the bases.

Kimbrel isn't the pitcher he once was, which isn't his fault. Aging comes for the best of us.

He'll turn 38 on May 28, though, and it's hard to see how this has a happy ending for Kimbrel. He may have hung on too long.

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