If you're looking for a single moment that captures the New York Mets' 2026 season, look no further than Craig Kimbrel on the mound.

On Thursday, the Mets and Colorado Rockies were locked in a 2-2 tie. Then Kimbrel entered the game. The result? A grand slam that sent New York spiraling to another loss—one that perfectly illustrates just how far the team has fallen.

A decade ago, calling on Kimbrel in a big spot would have been a dream scenario. He was one of the most dominant closers in baseball history, a surefire Hall of Famer. But at 37 years old, with an ERA hovering near 7.56, that dream has turned into a nightmare—especially for Mets fans.

Here's the kicker: Kimbrel wasn't even supposed to be in this position. The Mets overhauled their bullpen over the winter, letting Edwin Diaz sign with the Dodgers while bringing in Devin Williams and Luke Weaver. Kimbrel was a late, low-risk addition—more of a speculative flier than a cornerstone piece. Yet, due to a bullpen that has underperformed across the board, he's somehow worked his way into high-leverage situations.

Manager Carlos Mendoza doesn't have many sure things to turn to. But watching Kimbrel struggle night after night raises an uncomfortable question: Is this really the best option?

Kimbrel no longer has the stuff to dominate, and there's no long-term upside to develop. Putting him in the game feels like driving down a dead-end street—it's not going anywhere good. And for a Mets team already sitting at 14-23, that dead end might be exactly where this season is headed.