Kendall Graveman Bio
Kendall Chase Graveman is an American professional baseball pitcher who is currently a free agent. He has previously played in Major League Baseball (MLB) for several teams, including the Toronto Blue Jays, Oakland Athletics, Seattle Mariners, Houston Astros, Chicago White Sox, and Arizona Diamondbacks. Graveman played college baseball for Mississippi State University and was drafted by the Blue Jays in the eighth round of the 2013 MLB draft. He made his MLB debut in 2014 and has since transitioned from a starting pitcher to a relief pitcher due to a medical diagnosis of a benign bone tumor in his cervical spine.
Early Life and Background
Kendall Graveman was born on December 21, 1990, in the United States. He attended Benjamin Russell High School, where he excelled in baseball, posting a 6–3 win-loss record with a 1.19 earned run average (ERA) and 90 strikeouts over 63 innings in his senior year. After high school, he enrolled at Mississippi State University, where he played for the Mississippi State Bulldogs. In his freshman year, he primarily served as a reliever, finishing with a 2–4 record and a 7.02 ERA. Graveman’s college career included stints in the Cape Cod Baseball League, where he played for the Cotuit Kettleers and the Wareham Gatemen. His senior year at Mississippi State saw him make 16 starts, achieving a 4–4 record with a 2.81 ERA and 59 strikeouts.
Path to Baseball
Graveman was drafted by the Toronto Blue Jays in the eighth round of the 2013 MLB draft, receiving a signing bonus of $5,000. He began his professional career with the Single-A Lansing Lugnuts, where he recorded a 1–3 record and a 4.31 ERA in 2013. In 2014, he made significant progress, starting the season with Lansing before being promoted to the High-A Dunedin Blue Jays. Graveman’s performance in Dunedin included an impressive 8–4 record and a 2.23 ERA over 16 starts. He was subsequently promoted to the Double-A New Hampshire Fisher Cats and then to the Triple-A Buffalo Bisons, where he finished the season with a 14–6 record and a 1.83 ERA.
Kendall Graveman Career
Early Career (2014–2015)
Graveman made his MLB debut on September 5, 2014, against the Boston Red Sox, appearing in five games for the Blue Jays that season. He posted a 3.86 ERA with four strikeouts in 4.2 innings pitched. On November 28, 2014, he was traded to the Oakland Athletics as part of a deal for Josh Donaldson. Graveman opened the 2015 season as the fifth starter for the Athletics, finishing his rookie year with a 6–9 record and a 4.05 ERA in 21 starts.
Breakthrough (2016–2018)
In 2016, Graveman became the A’s most consistent starter, achieving 10 wins in 31 starts. He was named the opening day starter for the 2017 season, where he pitched six innings and struck out seven against the Los Angeles Angels. However, his career faced a setback when he underwent Tommy John surgery in 2018, which sidelined him for the entire season. Following his recovery, Graveman signed a one-year contract with the Chicago Cubs but missed the 2019 season due to rehabilitation.
Notable Works and Milestones
Graveman’s signature work includes his performances with the Seattle Mariners, where he made the Opening Day roster in 2020. He faced a significant health challenge when diagnosed with a benign bone tumor in his cervical spine, leading to his transition to a relief pitcher. In 2021, he was traded to the Houston Astros, where he contributed to the team’s success in the postseason.
Kendall Graveman Award Nominations
Throughout his career, Kendall Graveman has received recognition for his performances, including being named to Baseball America’s First Team All-Stars for 2014.
Kendall Graveman Awards Won
While specific awards won by Kendall Graveman are not detailed in the available information, his contributions to various teams and his resilience in overcoming health challenges have marked significant milestones in his career.
Kendall Graveman Family
Kendall Graveman is married to Victoria, and together they have three daughters. Details about his family life are limited, but it is clear that he values his role as a husband and father.
Personal Life
Outside of baseball, Kendall Graveman maintains a relatively private personal life. His commitment to his family and his professional career reflects his dedication both on and off the field. As a free agent, he looks forward to the next chapter in his baseball journey, with the Arizona Diamondbacks being his most recent team before entering free agency.
