Max Kranick Bio
Max Joseph Kranick is an American professional baseball pitcher who is currently a free agent. He has previously played in Major League Baseball (MLB) for the Pittsburgh Pirates and the New York Mets. Kranick made his MLB debut in 2021 and is known for setting a record for the most batters retired to begin a major league career.
Early Life and Background
Max Kranick was born on July 21, 1997, in Archbald, Pennsylvania, USA. He attended Valley View High School, where he showcased his talent as a pitcher, compiling an impressive 1.17 earned run average (ERA) during his high school career. After his senior year, Kranick was selected by the Pittsburgh Pirates in the 11th round of the 2016 Major League Baseball draft, opting to forgo his commitment to the University of Virginia in favor of a professional career.
Path to Baseball
Kranick began his professional journey with the Rookie-level Gulf Coast League Pirates shortly after being drafted. He made a notable impression in his first season, going 1–2 with a 2.43 ERA over nine games, including six starts. In 2017, he continued to develop his skills, splitting time between the Gulf Coast League and the Bristol Pirates, and achieving a combined record of 1–0 with a 1.11 ERA over five starts. His performance in the minor leagues paved the way for his eventual promotion to the major leagues.
Max Kranick Career
Early Career (2021)
Kranick made his professional debut in the summer of 2021 with the Gulf Coast League Pirates. He quickly advanced through the ranks, and by June 27, 2021, he was promoted to the major leagues to make his debut as the starting pitcher against the St. Louis Cardinals. In this game, he threw five perfect innings, striking out three batters before being removed due to a rain delay. He set a record for the most batters retired to begin a major league career with 15. Over nine starts with the Pirates, Kranick recorded a 2–3 win-loss record with a 6.28 ERA and 32 strikeouts over 38.2 innings.
Breakthrough (2022-2025)
Kranick opened the 2022 season with the Indianapolis Indians but faced a setback when he underwent Tommy John surgery in early June, sidelining him indefinitely. He was activated from the injured list on September 1, 2023, but did not make any appearances in the majors for the Pirates. On January 5, 2024, Kranick was designated for assignment by the Pirates.
Notable Works and Milestones
On January 12, 2024, Kranick was claimed off waivers by the New York Mets. After starting the year on the injured list, he made six starts across various minor league teams, accumulating a 4.30 ERA with 13 strikeouts in 14.2 innings pitched. He was designated for assignment by the Mets on May 6, 2024, but cleared waivers and was sent outright to Syracuse. Kranick had his contract selected back to the major league roster on October 1, 2024, and was named to the Mets’ Opening Day roster for the 2025 season. In 24 appearances for the Mets, he logged a 3-2 record and a 3.65 ERA with 25 strikeouts over 37 innings. Unfortunately, on July 18, 2025, it was announced that he would require Tommy John surgery for the second time, ruling him out for the remainder of the year.
Max Kranick Award Nominations
Throughout his career, Max Kranick has achieved notable milestones, including setting a record for the most batters retired to begin a major league career.
Max Kranick Awards Won
While specific awards won by Max Kranick are not detailed, his achievements in setting records highlight his potential and contributions to the sport of baseball.
