On Saturday, Craig Kimbrel showcased a new pitch during his first spring training game with the New York Mets, throwing a cutter for the first time in a 25-pitch stint against the Washington Nationals at Clover Park. The 37-year-old reliever allowed one run on a single hit with two walks, marking a promising start to his 17th Major League Baseball season. The emergence of the “Craig Kimbrel new cutter” adds an intriguing element to the Mets’ bullpen plans this year.
Encouragement from Manager and Player After Performance
Despite a modest statistical line, both Kimbrel and Mets manager Carlos Mendoza expressed positive outlooks following the appearance. Kimbrel’s fastball velocity reached 92-93 miles per hour, a noticeable increase from the 88-90 mph range recorded during earlier practice sessions. Mendoza noted this jump in velocity as an encouraging indicator of Kimbrel’s readiness.
“It’s way too early, but we saw some 92, 93 [mph] life on the fastball, the shape of the breaking ball — it was a good sign today,”
Mendoza said after the game.
Development of a Cutter Aimed at Extending Career Impact
Kimbrel’s decision to add a cutter to his repertoire stands out as a key strategic evolution. Known for his dominant fastball-curveball mix, the new pitch could diversify his arsenal and help disrupt hitters’ timing. Over his lengthy career, opposing batters have become familiar with his usual offerings, so incorporating the cutter could renew his effectiveness.
“It’s a pitch I’m kind of trying to mix in, trying to get guys off my fastball and open up some more offspeed opportunities,”
Kimbrel explained.
The success of this new pitch will depend on how well Kimbrel can command and control it during games. He acknowledged this uncertainty, stating that his usage will hinge on his ability to command the cutter consistently.
“How much I’m going to use it? I think how well I can command it and control it is going to have a lot to do with that,”
he said.
Kimbrel Aims to Demonstrate Continued Competitiveness Despite Challenges
After signing a minor league contract with the Mets on January 29, Kimbrel faces the challenge of proving his enduring value despite being a veteran with 440 saves and nine All-Star appearances. His competitive edge appeared intact in the spring debut, though he admitted frustration over two walks issued during the outing. He also remarked on feeling more focused facing real opponents compared to intrasquad practice.
The addition of the cutter highlights Kimbrel’s commitment to adapting as he enters the later stage of his career, underscoring traits that have allowed successful pitchers to continue performing effectively beyond their prime years.
Implications for the Mets’ Bullpen and Season Outlook
For New York, Kimbrel’s presence presents a potential high-reward boost to their late-inning bullpen at relatively low risk. If the cutter proves reliable and his velocity gains sustain or improve, the Mets could benefit from a revitalized closer option. However, these promising signs come early, and the true test lies ahead when opposing teams analyze his new pitch in live, competitive games where outcomes impact standings.
At this stage, the veteran closer looks poised to challenge narratives questioning his ability to remain effective, suggesting that his career’s decline may be far from certain.
