Juan Soto’s teammate Max Kranick reveals what it really takes to make it to the big leagues
It has been a long road to success for veteran pitcher Max Kranick. The 27-year-old has emerged as a valuable asset for the New York Mets this season after converting from a starting pitcher to a bullpen arm. Despite the team signing superstars such as Juan Soto this offseason, Kranick has proven himself to be a quality piece in the team’s success.
After being selected by the Pittsburgh Pirates in the 11th round of the 2016 MLB draft, Kranick struggled to make much of an impact. He made his major league debut in 2021, but things didn’t go as planned, as he posted a 6.28 ERA over 38 2/3 innings.
More underperformance and a Tommy John surgery later, Kranick was designated for assignment, only to be claimed off waivers by the New York Mets. That’s when everything changed. Kranick spent all of 2024 in the minors before earning a spot on the 2025 Opening Day roster — a moment he recalled during an interview with MLB Central, which included a text message from his favorite player.
"David Wright did, my favorite player. That was really special as well. I showed Hayden Senger, who I was sitting next to on the bus, and was like 'is this a joke, is this real?" Kranick said.
A lifelong New York Mets fan through his father, Kranick described making the major league roster as a “dream come true.”
He’s been making the most of his opportunity with the big club, posting a 1-0 record with a 2.93 ERA and nine strikeouts over 15 2/3 innings. While fortunate to get the opportunity, Kranick said his years in the minors were instrumental in his growth.
"I definitely think it's a grind," he said. "You need your routine the first couple of years in the minor leagues, while figuring out what works and what doesn't.
"I didn't really figure things out until about 2020, it took me a little while, but health, velocity, and pitches came with it."
Max Kranick on the New York Mets' dominant pitching staff in 2025
The New York Mets have the best record in baseball, sitting at 17-7. While the club has benefited from excellent seasons from the likes of Pete Alonso, the team's pitching staff has been phenomenal, something Max Kranick acknowledged during the interview, giving credit to his coaches.
"Hef and the pitching coaches and the pitching staff set the tone," Kranick said. "They're so steady every day, they're always trying to get us a little bit better. They make it easy to come to work every day."
Prior to Wednesday's action, the Mets were first in team ERA and second in strikeouts. While there were some question marks surrounding the pitching staff coming into the year, players such as Kodai Senga have taken huge steps forward so far in 2025.