Pirates Lose Max Kranick to Mets Via Waivers

The New York Mets have claimed right-handed pitcher Max Kranick off waivers from the Pittsburgh Pirates, according to MLB.com’s Mark Feinsand.

The Pirates had designated Kranick for assignment last week to make room on the active roster for left-handed pitcher Martín Pérez.

Kranick, 26, was originally drafted by the Pirates in the 11th round of the 2016 draft out of Valley View High School in Archibald, Penn.

The right-hander rose through the Pirates’ minor league system and made his big league debut in 2021. In his first-career major league start, he threw five perfect innings agaisnt the St. Louis Cardinals at Busch Stadium. He earned his first big league win in the Pirates’ 7-2 victory that day.

Kranick made 11 appearances/nine starts with the Pittsburgh Pirates from 2021-22. In total, he went 2-3 with a 5.56 ERA, 36 strikeouts and 22 walks in 43.2 innings pitched.

Kranick’s career was paused after he underwent Tommy John surgery in the middle of the 2022 season. He finally returned to the mound this past season and made nine starts between Single-A Bradenton and Triple-A Indianapolis in the Pirates’ minor league system. In those nine starts, Kranick was 0-2 with a 4.35 ERA.