Source: Craig Kimbrel Didn't Exercise Opt-Out With Mets

Kimbrel is hoping to make the Mets' major league bullpen when camp breaks on Monday. This unit has one spot remaining after manager Carlos Mendoza revealed Huascar Brazoban would have the sixth slot.

The Mets would typically carry eight relievers, but they're instead going with a six-man rotation to open the season. That means they will hold six starters and seven relievers come Opening Day.

Kimbrel, 37, is having a shaky spring training where he has struggled with his command. In six appearances, Kimbrel has walked five batters and hit two of them. His velocity has also been down around 92 mph.

Kimbrel's biggest competition for the final bullpen spot are lefties Bryan Hudson and Dick Lovelady. The Mets could opt to complement southpaw Brooks Raley with another left-hander in the bullpen.

However, Hudson has had his troubles in Grapefruit League action as well (16.20 ERA in 3.1 innings). The Mets recently re-acquired Lovelady off waivers from the Washington Nationals. The team designated Lovelady for assignment on four separate occasions last year.

Hudson posted a 1.73 ERA with the Milwaukee Brewers in 62.1 innings in 2024. The Mets have also been impressed by his velocity this spring.

The final bullpen spot will come down to the wire and the Mets could choose to acquire another reliever as well.

The latter would spell trouble for Kimbrel, Hudson and Lovelady. But for now, it's going to come between this trio for one last bullpen opening.