The New York Mets bullpen issues go a bit deeper than just two bad games—they point to a broader concern about reliability and depth. When relievers like Luke Weaver and Tobias Myers struggle in back-to-back situations, it often forces the coaching staff to rethink roles, workload, and even trust levels within the bullpen. The fact that inherited runners scored in one game and a late-inning collapse happened in another suggests the problem isn’t just one pitcher—it’s situational execution across the group.
Calling up Craig Kimbrel is not just about adding another arm; it’s about inserting a pitcher with a defined identity as a closer. For years, Kimbrel has thrived in the ninth inning, where the expectations are clear: protect the lead and finish the game. Even if he’s not quite at his peak anymore, his presence alone can help reorganize the bullpen. Other relievers can shift into roles that better suit them—middle relief, setup, or matchup-based appearances—rather than being forced into high-leverage spots they may not be ready for.
There’s also a psychological element. Bullpens are highly confidence-driven, and once a team starts blowing leads, it can snowball. Bringing in a veteran with Kimbrel’s résumé over 400 career saves and a reputation as one of the most dominant closers of his era can steady the group mentally as much as physically. Younger pitchers like Nolan McLean may benefit from having someone experienced to observe and learn from in high-pressure situations.
However, this move isn’t without risk. Kimbrel’s recent seasons have been uneven; he can still generate strikeouts, but command issues have occasionally led to walks and big hits. If those inconsistencies show up, the Mets could still find themselves searching for answers. That makes this more of a calculated gamble than a guaranteed fix.
Another layer to this is workload management. Early-season bullpen struggles often come from overuse or unclear rotation patterns. If starters aren’t going deep into games, relievers get stretched thin, increasing the chances of breakdowns like the ones seen against the Arizona Diamondbacks and Oakland Athletics. Kimbrel’s arrival could help shorten games—ideally turning them into six or seven innings from the starter, followed by a more structured late-inning plan.
In the bigger picture, this signals that the Mets are not willing to wait for the bullpen to “figure itself out.” Early intervention like this is often what separates teams that stay competitive from those that let small issues spiral into long-term problems. Whether Kimbrel stabilizes things or just buys time for additional moves, this is clearly the first step in what could be a series of adjustments if the struggles continue.
