With the New York Mets preparing to recall top star for a matchup against the Miami Marlins, a corresponding roster move became inevitable. MLB.com’s Anthony DiComo reported that the Mets designated veteran reliever for assignment, officially clearing room for Tong’s promotion from Syracuse.
The move likely brings an end to Kimbrel’s brief tenure in New York. The former Atlanta Braves and Philadelphia Phillies closer signed a minor league deal with the Mets and failed to make the Opening Day roster, eventually joining the bullpen in mid-April. His results were underwhelming, as he posted a 6.00 ERA across 15 appearances, largely in low-leverage situations. After throwing 56 pitches during the recent series against Washington, Kimbrel became expendable.
New York is currently navigating a demanding stretch of 16 games in 16 days, prompting the call-up of Tong to give the rotation additional rest. The move allows the Mets to manage workloads during a taxing part of the schedule, one in which they have gone 7–3. With the organization cycling through young arms, the key question was whether a starter or reliever would lose a roster spot. Kimbrel’s designation answered that decisively.
The Mets now have seven days to resolve Kimbrel’s status, whether by releasing him, trading him, or attempting to outright him to the minors. Regardless of the outcome, it appears unlikely he will pitch for New York again in 2026. If another team claims him, the Mets would receive only minimal salary relief, limited to the prorated league minimum, as Kimbrel is earning $2.5 million this season.
Beyond the immediate roster implications, Kimbrel’s long-term legacy remains an open question. While he has not been close to a ninth-inning role over the past two seasons, his career résumé remains impressive: 440 saves, 1,297 strikeouts, a 38.5% strikeout rate, and a 155 ERA+. Those numbers compare favorably with several Hall of Fame closers, including former Mets standout Billy Wagner, who finished with a higher park-adjusted ERA+.
As for Tong, he will not start the series opener against Miami. Instead, the Mets plan to use Tobias Myers as an opener, with Tong expected to follow in a bulk relief role. Injuries have pushed the club toward a youth movement, and Tong becomes the fifth player from the Mets’ preseason Top 30 prospect list to appear in a game this season. While he has already debuted at the major league level, his experience is limited to five starts and 18.2 innings.
The bullpen enters the game relatively well rested, giving manager Carlos Mendoza flexibility. Left-hander Sean Manaea is available on four days’ rest, while Austin Warren is likely the only reliever unavailable after heavy recent usage. As the Mets continue to piece together their rotation, a decision will eventually need to be made on whether Tong or Zach Thornton sticks once the club returns to a traditional five-man setup.