New York Mets’ Former Pitcher Signs With Washington Nationals

As the Mets continue to shuffle their relief corps among the other tweaks they are working through in hopes of saving the season, fans received word that a reliever from last year’s disappointing roster will be making his injury return with the Washington Nationals.

“Right-hander Max Kranick and the Washington Nationals are in agreement on a deal,” The Athletic’s Will Sammon reported.

Kranick joined the Mets as a waiver claim after the 2023 season, following two big-league campaigns with the Pittsburgh Pirates. The Mets gave the righty a call up last season and he suffered a season-ending injury shortly afterward.

“He got out to a nice start and was sitting on a 3.65 ERA through 37 frames at the time of his flexor injury,” Steve Adams wrote for MLB Trade Rumors. “Kranick’s 16.9% strikeout rate was well south of the 22.3% league average, but his 3.4% walk rate was outstanding.”

Kranick underwent Tommy John surgery in 2022 and he is still recovering from the flexor tendon surgery he had shortly before the Mets non-tendered him.

New York Mets’ Former Pitcher Looking To Make Injury Return With Division Rival

While the Mets were reportedly among the teams that scouted Kranick during a recent bullpen session, it looks like he will be going after a big-league spot with the Nationals once he returns to the mound.

“Kranick isn’t going to be ready to jump right into the mix, however,” Adams added. “He threw for teams back in January and was said at the time to be targeting a second-half return from the injured list. Once the deal is finalized, he’ll presumably need to work through a throwing progression and then go through a lengthy minor league rehab stint.”

If he is able to contribute to the Nationals’ season at some point, Kranick will be hoping to pick up where he left off with the Mets and maintain better health. Eventually, the Mets could face their old reliever in a big spot now that he’s signed with their National League East division rival.