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Former Toronto Blue Jays Failed Signing Back With New York Mets on New Deal

The article from Sports Illustrated, titled "Former Toronto Blue Jays Failed Signing Back With New York Mets on New Deal," authored by Zachary D. Rymer and published on December 18, 2024, discusses the recent signing of pitcher Max Kranick by the New York Mets to a minor league contract with an invitation to spring training. Kranick, who previously had a brief and unsuccessful stint with the Toronto Blue Jays organization, represents a low-risk, potential-reward move for the Mets as they continue to bolster their pitching depth for the upcoming season. This summary will delve into Kranick’s career trajectory, his time with the Blue Jays, his new opportunity with the Mets, and the broader context of the Mets’ offseason strategy, while also exploring the implications of such minor league deals in Major League Baseball (MLB).

Max Kranick, a 27-year-old right-handed pitcher, was originally drafted by the Pittsburgh Pirates in the 11th round of the 2016 MLB Draft. He made his MLB debut with the Pirates in 2021, where he showed flashes of promise. Notably, Kranick threw five no-hit innings in his debut start against the St. Louis Cardinals on June 27, 2021, becoming only the second pitcher in MLB history to achieve such a feat in his first major league game. Over the course of his time with the Pirates, Kranick appeared in 11 games (including two starts) between 2021 and 2022, posting a 2-5 record with a 5.73 ERA across 33.0 innings. While his early career numbers were not particularly impressive, his debut performance hinted at untapped potential, making him an intriguing prospect for teams looking for pitching depth.

Kranick’s journey took a turn when he was claimed off waivers by the Toronto Blue Jays in January 2023. At the time, the Blue Jays were looking to add depth to their pitching staff, and Kranick represented a low-cost gamble with some upside. However, his tenure with the Blue Jays was short-lived and ultimately unsuccessful. After being claimed, Kranick was optioned to the Blue Jays’ Triple-A affiliate, the Buffalo Bisons, but he never made an appearance for the major league club. His time in the Blue Jays’ system was marred by injuries and inconsistent performance, and he was eventually designated for assignment (DFA’d) later in 2023. Kranick’s stint with Toronto became a footnote in his career, emblematic of a failed signing for a team that had hoped to unearth a hidden gem.

Following his departure from the Blue Jays, Kranick became a free agent and spent time in the minor leagues, continuing to work on his craft. His signing with the New York Mets on a minor league deal in December 2024 marks a new chapter for the pitcher, offering him a chance to resurrect his career with a team known for taking calculated risks on reclamation projects. The Mets, under the leadership of president of baseball operations David Stearns, have been active in the offseason, focusing on rebuilding their roster after a disappointing 2023 season and a strong but ultimately unsuccessful 2024 campaign that saw them reach the National League Championship Series (NLCS). Kranick’s deal includes an invitation to spring training, which means he will have the opportunity to compete for a spot on the Mets’ Opening Day roster, likely as a reliever or depth starter.

The Mets’ decision to sign Kranick aligns with their broader strategy of addressing pitching needs without committing significant financial resources to every acquisition. The team has already made several moves to bolster their rotation and bullpen, including re-signing key players and pursuing free agents. However, with injuries and uncertainties surrounding some of their pitchers, such as Kodai Senga, who battled health issues in 2024, the Mets are prioritizing depth. Kranick, while not a high-profile signing, fits into this plan as a player who could potentially contribute in a limited role if he performs well in spring training or in the minors with the Mets’ Triple-A affiliate, the Syracuse Mets.

From a broader MLB perspective, minor league contracts like Kranick’s are a common tool for teams to take low-risk fliers on players with potential. These deals often come with no guaranteed money at the major league level, meaning the team can release the player without financial penalty if they fail to make the roster. For players like Kranick, such contracts represent a lifeline—a chance to prove themselves in a new environment and potentially earn a call-up to the big leagues. The inclusion of a spring training invite is particularly significant, as it gives Kranick a platform to showcase his skills directly to the Mets’ coaching staff and decision-makers.

Analyzing Kranick’s potential fit with the Mets requires a closer look at his pitching profile. As a right-hander, Kranick relies on a fastball-slider combination, with his fastball sitting in the low-to-mid 90s. His ability to generate strikeouts has been inconsistent, and control issues have plagued him at times, as evidenced by his career 5.73 ERA in the majors. However, at 27 years old, he is still young enough to refine his mechanics and develop into a reliable arm, especially if the Mets’ pitching development staff can help him unlock his potential. The Mets have had success in recent years with turning under-the-radar pitchers into contributors, and Kranick could follow a similar path if given the right guidance and opportunity.

The Mets’ interest in Kranick also reflects the competitive nature of the National League East, where they face stiff competition from teams like the Atlanta Braves and Philadelphia Phillies. Building a deep and versatile pitching staff is crucial for enduring the grind of a 162-game season, as well as preparing for potential postseason play. While Kranick is unlikely to be a frontline starter or high-leverage reliever, he could serve as a spot starter or long reliever in case of injuries or underperformance from other pitchers on the roster. His prior MLB experience, albeit limited, gives him an edge over some other minor league signings who have yet to pitch at the highest level.

For Kranick personally, this signing represents a critical juncture in his career. After bouncing around between organizations and dealing with setbacks, including his failed stint with the Blue Jays, he has a chance to re-establish himself with a Mets team that is hungry for success. Spring training will be a make-or-break moment for him, as he will need to demonstrate improved command, durability, and effectiveness to earn a roster spot or at least secure a prominent role in Triple-A with an eye toward a midseason call-up.

In the context of the Blue Jays, Kranick’s departure and subsequent signing with the Mets serves as a reminder of the challenges teams face when taking chances on unproven talent. The Blue Jays had hoped to develop Kranick into a useful piece, but injuries and other factors derailed that plan. Toronto has since moved on, focusing on other areas of need, but Kranick’s story underscores the hit-or-miss nature of waiver claims and minor league signings.

In conclusion, Max Kranick’s minor league deal with the New York Mets is a small but intriguing move in the grand scheme of the team’s offseason. While not a headline-grabbing transaction, it reflects the Mets’ commitment to building depth and taking calculated risks on players with potential. For Kranick, this contract offers a fresh start and an opportunity to overcome the disappointments of his past, including his unsuccessful time with the Toronto Blue Jays. Whether he can capitalize on this chance remains to be seen, but his journey highlights the perseverance required to succeed in professional baseball, as well as the constant churn of talent in the MLB ecosystem. As spring training approaches, all eyes will be on Kranick to see if he can make the most of this opportunity and carve out a role with a Mets team looking to contend in 2025. (Word count: 1,214)

Read the Full Sports Illustrated Article at:
[ https://www.si.com/mlb/bluejays/news/former-toronto-blue-jays-failed-signing-back-with-new-york-mets-new-deal ]