The Mets’ bullpen is nearly set, but the final reliever spot features a classic baseball dilemma: trust a future Hall of Famer with control issues or a former phenom seeking redemption, and the choice could define New York’s pitching strategy for the upcoming season.
PORT ST. LUCIE — One spot remains as the New York Mets finalize their 2026 bullpen, and the decision hinges on a high-stakes showdown between Craig Kimbrel and Bryan Hudson. Manager Carlos Mendoza confirmed on Monday that Huascar Brazobán has secured a role, leaving six of seven bullpen slots filled with Brazobán, Devin Williams, Luke Weaver, Brooks Raley, Tobias Myers, and Luis García NY Post.
The Mets’ plan to carry six starting pitchers reduces the bullpen to seven relievers instead of the typical eight, intensifying the competition for the final spot NY Post. Mendoza emphasized that the decision may not be finalized until hours before Opening Day, citing the volatility of spring training: “Since I have been in this level, as a coach, bench coach or manager, that last part of the bullpen is usually not [decided] until hours before Opening Day because there’s so much that can happen” NY Post.
Internally, the primary contenders are Craig Kimbrel and Bryan Hudson. Kimbrel, a 37-year-old right-hander with 440 saves and a potential Hall of Fame case, signed a minor league deal that guarantees $2.5 million if he makes the roster NY Post. Hudson, a lefty acquired from the Chicago White Sox at the start of camp, offers a contrasting narrative of resurgence after a difficult 2025 season NY Post.
Kimbrel’s spring has been a mixed bag: he owns a 2.25 ERA in four appearances but has walked four batters and hit two in just four innings NY Post. His control struggles are a red flag, yet he’s working to add a cutter to his arsenal, acknowledging both positives and negatives: “The positive is I have been able to work out of some of the stuff that I have gotten into. The negatives are I have walked some guys, hit some guys” NY Post. With three outings remaining, Kimbrel knows time is short: “I guess it really depends on how I look the next week. I have got three outings until we get out of here, so just kind of turn it up and get ready for the season” NY Post.
Hudson presents a different profile. Acquired early in camp, he has drawn praise from Mendoza for regained velocity and a sharp breaking ball: “I like the velo there, it seems to be back. That is something he kind of got away with last year. I like the breaking ball” NY Post. However, Hudson struggled in 2025 after a standout 2024 with the Milwaukee Brewers, making him a high-risk, high-reward option NY Post.
The decision may hinge on the Mets’ need for a second left-hander. Brooks Raley is set as the primary lefty, but with A.J. Minter rehabbing until May from lat surgery, Hudson could fill a crucial niche NY Post. Brazobán’s inclusion also provides flexibility, as he can pitch multiple innings and recently excelled in the World Baseball Classic, retiring 12 of 13 batters with a 1 ¹/₃ scoreless outing against Team USA NY Post. His 3.57 ERA over 52 appearances last season adds reliability NY Post.
Historically, Kimbrel’s 440 saves and postseason pedigree make him a tantalizing choice for a contender, but his velocity decline and control issues have raised questions about his effectiveness at age 37 NY Post. Hudson, meanwhile, represents a bounce-back story; his trade from the White Sox signaled Mets’ faith in his stuff, but his 2025 struggles require a strong finish to claim the role NY Post.
Fan theories abound: some advocate for Kimbrel’s veteran presence in high-leverage moments, while others push for Hudson’s raw stuff and left-handedness. The Mets’ front office must weigh short-term stability against long-term development, especially with a six-man rotation limiting bullpen depth NY Post. Mendoza’s hint that “we’re still a long way from having that conversation” suggests external factors—like injuries or waiver claims—could still alter the landscape NY Post.
Ultimately, this final spot is more than a roster footnote; it tests the Mets’ commitment to analytics versus tradition, health versus history, and immediate need versus future upside. As camp winds down, all eyes are on whether Kimbrel can tame his command or Hudson can harness his velocity, with the winner likely becoming a key piece in New York’s 2026 playoff push.
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