Brooks Kriske Bio
Brooks Joseph Kriske (born February 3, 1994) is an American professional baseball pitcher who is currently in the Athletics organization of Major League Baseball (MLB). Standing out as a right-handed reliever who has bounced between several organizations and two continents, Kriske has suited up for the New York Yankees, Baltimore Orioles, Kansas City Royals, Chicago Cubs, and Minnesota Twins in MLB, while also pitching in Nippon Professional Baseball (NPB) for the Yokohama DeNA BayStars and Saitama Seibu Lions. Known for a power arm out of the bullpen, he has built his career through perseverance after undergoing Tommy John surgery early in his professional journey.
Early Life and Background
Brooks Joseph Kriske was born on February 3, 1994, in Palm Desert, California, and grew up in the same Southern California community where he would later become a celebrated high school pitcher. He attended Palm Desert High School, where he played all four years of varsity baseball and quickly established himself as one of the top amateur arms in the region. His time at Palm Desert helped shape the work ethic and competitive mindset that have defined his professional journey.
During his prep career, Kriske helped lead his team to three consecutive California Interscholastic Federation (CIF) State Finals from 2010 through 2012, capturing CIF state championships in both 2010 and 2012. In the 2012 state title game, he delivered a complete-game shutout, a memorable performance that cemented his reputation as a big-game pitcher. He was also recognized as a two-time All-State selection for his dominant work on the mound.
After high school, Kriske continued his baseball development at the University of Southern California, where he played college baseball for the USC Trojans. His three-year college career showed enough promise that the New York Yankees selected him in the sixth round of the 2016 MLB Draft, launching his professional career at age 22.
Path to Baseball
Kriske’s route to professional baseball began with his standout amateur career in Southern California, where his success at Palm Desert High School and the University of Southern California caught the attention of MLB scouts. His college experience with the USC Trojans, combined with two state championships in high school, gave him the foundation needed to make the jump to the professional ranks. Being drafted in the sixth round by the Yankees validated years of hard work and positioned him within one of baseball’s most storied organizations.
His first professional season, however, came with an immediate setback when he underwent Tommy John surgery in 2016 and missed the entire 2017 season while recovering. Rather than derail his career, the rehabilitation process helped him refine his mechanics and build the mental toughness that has carried him through multiple organizations since. He returned to full strength in 2018 and steadily climbed the Yankees’ minor league system from that point forward.
Brooks Kriske Career
Early Career (2016–2019)
Kriske began his professional career in 2016 with the Staten Island Yankees before undergoing Tommy John surgery and missing the 2017 season. After recovering, he returned to the mound and earned all-star honors in the Florida State League while pitching for the Tampa Tarpons, a performance that earned him a promotion to Double-A with the Trenton Thunder. Following a strong 2019 campaign, the Yankees added him to their 40-man roster to protect him from the Rule 5 Draft.
In March 2020, Kriske was optioned to the Scranton/Wilkes-Barre RailRiders of Triple-A as the Yankees prepared for the start of a new season. His development through the Yankees’ farm system, which included stops at Staten Island, Tampa, Trenton, and Scranton/Wilkes-Barre, prepared him for the biggest opportunity of his career when the Yankees called him up to the majors that summer.
New York Yankees Breakthrough (2020–2021)
The New York Yankees added Kriske to their active roster on July 26, 2020, and he made his Major League Baseball debut on July 29 against the Baltimore Orioles. In that appearance, he struck out two batters and walked one in a scoreless inning of relief, marking the culmination of his long climb through the minor leagues. For the shortened 2020 season, he appeared in four games without recording a decision while posting a 14.73 ERA with eight strikeouts across 3⅔ innings.
Kriske began the 2021 season in Triple-A with the RailRiders and was recalled by the Yankees several times throughout the summer. On July 21, 2021, he recorded his first Major League win, throwing a scoreless 10th inning against the Philadelphia Phillies as the Yankees walked off in the bottom half. The very next day, he was used in another extra-inning situation against the Boston Red Sox and tied an MLB regular-season record by throwing four wild pitches in a single inning, taking the loss before being optioned back to Triple-A. The Yankees designated him for assignment on September 14, ending his first stint in the Bronx.
Baltimore Orioles (2021)
Two days after being designated for assignment by the Yankees, the Baltimore Orioles claimed Kriske off waivers on September 16, 2021, and assigned him to the Norfolk Tides. After pitching a scoreless inning in his only Tides appearance, he was promoted to Baltimore and made his Orioles debut on September 22 in a 4–3 loss to the Philadelphia Phillies at Citizens Bank Park. He appeared in four games for Baltimore with a 12.27 ERA across 3⅔ innings before requesting and being granted his release on November 30 to pursue an opportunity overseas.
Yokohama DeNA BayStars (2022)
On December 8, 2021, Kriske signed with the Yokohama DeNA BayStars of Nippon Professional Baseball and headed to Japan for the 2022 season. He made 18 appearances for the BayStars, compiling a 1-1 record with a 2.57 ERA, 26 strikeouts, and one save over 21 innings of work. His successful first season in NPB helped re-establish him as a reliable late-inning arm and paved the way for future international opportunities.
Kansas City Royals (2023)
On December 15, 2022, Kriske signed a minor league deal with the Kansas City Royals and was assigned to the Triple-A Omaha Storm Chasers to open the 2023 season. He posted a 6.00 ERA with 47 strikeouts and five saves in 27 innings at Omaha before having his contract selected on June 18. In four appearances for Kansas City, he recorded a 4.05 ERA with six strikeouts across 6⅔ innings before requesting and being granted his release on July 21 to return to Japan.
Saitama Seibu Lions (2023)
On July 26, 2023, Kriske signed a $320,000 contract with the Saitama Seibu Lions of NPB and quickly became a key bullpen piece for the club. In 14 appearances for Saitama, he posted a 1.93 ERA with 13 strikeouts and seven saves across 14 innings, showcasing the closer’s mentality that had long defined his career. He became a free agent after the season and returned to the United States in search of another MLB opportunity.
Cincinnati Reds and Return to Baltimore (2024)
On December 21, 2023, Kriske signed a minor league contract with the Cincinnati Reds and was later added to their 40-man roster on June 17, 2024, to prevent him from exercising an opt-out clause. In 42 appearances for the Triple-A Louisville Bats, he compiled a 5-0 record with a 3.10 ERA and 72 strikeouts across 49⅓ innings before being designated for assignment following the signing of Dominic Smith on August 22. He was claimed off waivers by the Baltimore Orioles on August 25 and pitched in eight games for the Norfolk Tides with a 5.00 ERA before electing free agency on October 31.
Chicago Cubs (2025)
On November 29, 2024, Kriske signed a minor league contract with the Chicago Cubs and was assigned to the Triple-A Iowa Cubs, where he made 13 appearances with a 2-0 record, a 3.38 ERA, and 28 strikeouts across 18⅔ innings. The Cubs selected his contract on May 24, 2025, adding him to the active roster, and he made one scoreless appearance before being designated for assignment on May 29. After clearing waivers and being sent outright to Iowa on June 5, he was added back to the active roster on July 12 before being designated for assignment again on August 2 following three more scoreless outings.
Minnesota Twins (2025)
On August 5, 2025, Kriske was claimed off waivers by the Minnesota Twins and joined their bullpen for the final weeks of the season. In 11 appearances for Minnesota, he posted an 0-1 record with an 11.70 ERA and 11 strikeouts over 10 innings before being designated for assignment on September 7. He cleared waivers and was sent outright to the Triple-A St. Paul Saints on September 9 before electing free agency on September 29 to close out his year.
Athletics Era (2026–Present)
On December 12, 2025, Kriske signed a minor league contract with the Athletics and was assigned to the Triple-A Las Vegas Aviators to begin the 2026 regular season. In 10 appearances with Las Vegas, he posted a 4-1 record with a 2.25 ERA and 25 strikeouts, strong numbers that led to his contract being selected on May 6, 2026, when he was added to the Athletics’ active roster. He made two scoreless appearances for the team before being placed on the injured list with a right shoulder impingement on May 13 and later transferred to the 60-day injured list on June 2.
Driving Style and Strengths
Kriske is a power reliever who relies on a heavy fastball and an aggressive mindset when entering high-leverage situations. His best stretches have come in shorter stints where he can attack hitters with confidence, and he has shown a particular comfort level working extra-inning games and closing opportunities in both MLB and NPB. Throughout his career, his ability to bounce between starting and relief roles has allowed him to remain a valuable piece for organizations looking for experienced bullpen depth.
Notable Events and Milestones
Among the most memorable moments of Kriske’s career was his first Major League win on July 21, 2021, when he threw a scoreless 10th inning against the Philadelphia Phillies to set up a Yankees walk-off victory. He also tied an MLB regular-season record the very next day by throwing four wild pitches in a single inning against the Boston Red Sox, a rare and dramatic footnote in his career. In Japan, he posted a combined 2.31 ERA across the Yokohama DeNA BayStars and Saitama Seibu Lions while recording eight saves, highlighting his effectiveness as a late-inning arm overseas.
Brooks Kriske Career Wins
Across his professional career in MLB and NPB, Kriske has collected wins at nearly every level, from the minor leagues to the majors and across the Pacific in Japan. His first Major League victory came with the Yankees in July 2021, and he has since added wins at the Triple-A level with Louisville and Las Vegas. His ability to contribute in multiple leagues and roles has made him a dependable arm for clubs in need of bullpen help.
MLB Highlights
In MLB regular-season play, Kriske’s first career win came on July 21, 2021, as a member of the New York Yankees, when he threw a scoreless 10th inning against the Philadelphia Phillies. Through May 12, 2026, his MLB career numbers include a 2-2 win-loss record, an 8.93 ERA, and 45 strikeouts across multiple organizations. His MLB journey has taken him through New York, Baltimore, Kansas City, Chicago, Minnesota, and Oakland, reflecting both his persistence and his value as a versatile bullpen option.
Other Wins & Performances
Outside of MLB, Kriske has posted impressive numbers in NPB, including a 1-1 record with a 2.57 ERA and 26 strikeouts for the Yokohama DeNA BayStars in 2022, and a 1.93 ERA with seven saves for the Saitama Seibu Lions in 2023. At the Triple-A level, he went 5-0 with a 3.10 ERA for the Louisville Bats in 2024 and posted a 4-1 mark with a 2.25 ERA for the Las Vegas Aviators early in 2026. These performances underscore his consistency whenever given regular opportunities.
Brooks Kriske Family
Family Background and Racing Lineage
Kriske’s family background is rooted in Southern California, where he grew up in Palm Desert and developed his baseball skills from a young age. He was named after Hall of Fame third baseman Brooks Robinson, a tribute that reflects the baseball heritage passed down within his family. While specific details about his parents and siblings are not publicly documented, his close connection to the sport at home helped pave the way for his professional career.
Personal Life
Outside of baseball, Kriske has been relatively private about his personal life, and there is limited public information regarding his marital status or family beyond his connection to the Brooks Robinson namesake. His career has required significant geographic flexibility, with stints on both coasts of the United States and time in Japan, suggesting a willingness to embrace new experiences and cultures.
2025 Season Performance
Kriske’s 2025 season was defined by movement between organizations and roles, beginning with a minor league contract he signed with the Chicago Cubs on November 29, 2024. After impressing at Triple-A Iowa, he was added to the Cubs’ active roster in May, made a scoreless appearance, and was later designated for assignment before being brought back in July. Across his time with Chicago, he logged multiple scoreless outings and provided the bullpen with steady relief work.
On August 5, 2025, Kriske was claimed off waivers by the Minnesota Twins and joined a new club for the final stretch of the season. He appeared in 11 games for Minnesota but struggled to a 11.70 ERA before being designated for assignment on September 7 and outrighted to the St. Paul Saints shortly thereafter. He elected free agency on September 29, closing out a busy year that saw him contribute for three different organizations.
Looking ahead, Kriske signed a minor league contract with the Athletics on December 12, 2025, opening the door to yet another chapter in his journeyman career. His early 2026 results with the Las Vegas Aviators, including a 4-1 record and 2.25 ERA, suggest he could once again push for a meaningful MLB role with Oakland as the season unfolds.