Pittsburgh Pirates: Max Kranick Claimed Off Waivers by the New York Mets

After being designated for assignment by the Pittsburgh Pirates last week, pitcher Max Kranick has found a new home

Last week, the Pittsburgh Pirates made their free agent addition of Martin Perez official. When they made the move official, to make room on the 40-man roster the Pirates designated right-handed pitcher Max Kranick for assignment.

Designating Kranick for assignment did not come as a surprise due to him being out of minor league options. Now, Kranick has a new home. On Friday afternoon, the New York Mets claimed 26-year-old righty off waivers.

Kranick missed the entire 2023 season after undergoing Tommy John surgery in June 2022. Prior to undergoing Tommy John surgery, Kranick had pitched 43.2 MLB innings between the 2021 and 2022 seasons.

Across his two MLB seasons Kranick pitched in 11 games with 9 being starts. Kranick owned a 5.56 ERA, 4.49 FIP, 10.9% walk rate, and a 17.9% strikeout rate. He allowed just 4 home runs (0.82 HR/9), while hitting 4 batters and unleashing 3 wild pitches.

His MLB career did begin with a bang. In his MLB debut, Kranick pitched 5 perfect innings against the St. Louis Cardinals on June 27, 2021. These 5 perfect innings included 3 strikeouts. However, a rain delay would end his debut early.

Last season, Kranick pitched in 9 minor league games while working his way back from surgery. Kranick posted a 4.35 ERA and a 4.98 FIP in 20.2 in minor league innings pitched last season. He allowed 11 hits, a pair of home runs, walked 9 batters, and struck out 14.

A Scranton, Pennsylvania, native, Kranick was selected out of Valley View High School by the Pirates in the 11th round of the 2016 MLB Draft. Kranick received a $300,000 signing bonus, surpassing his commitment to the University of Virginia.

If Kranick can bounce back from Tommy John surgery, he could find success with the Mets moving forward. We wish Kranick all the best in his future endeavors with the Mets.