Max Kranick: A Lifelong Mets Fan on a Quest for a Rotation Spot
Max Kranick, a 26-year-old right-handed pitcher, is living out his childhood dream of playing for the New York Mets. Growing up in Jessup, Pennsylvania, just outside Scranton, Kranick was raised in a family of Mets fans and spent many Sunday afternoons at Shea Stadium with his father. Now, he is making a case for himself to earn a spot in the Mets’ rotation during spring training.
Kranick’s journey as a professional baseball player began in 2021 when he made his debut with the Pittsburgh Pirates. He had a successful start, throwing five scoreless innings in the majors in 2022 before undergoing Tommy John surgery in June. Despite the setback, Kranick made his way back to the minors last season and threw over 20 innings in August and September. However, he was designated for assignment over the offseason.
Fortunately for Kranick, the Mets saw potential in him and scooped him up. With an opening in the rotation due to Kodai Senga’s injury, Kranick has a chance to prove himself alongside competitors like Tylor Megill, Joey Lucchesi, and José Butto. Although considered a dark horse in the competition, Kranick is determined to make his mark.
Upon arriving at spring training, Kranick immediately got to work with the Mets’ pitching staff to refine his skills and expand his repertoire. He collaborated with vice president of pitching Eric Jagers, Triple-A pitching coach Grayson Crawford, and pitching coach Jeremy Hefner to develop new pitches that would enhance his effectiveness on the mound.
One area of focus for Kranick was finding a pitch that would challenge right-handed hitters. After struggling with a changeup for years, he worked with his coaches to develop a two-seam fastball and a sweeper. Kranick debuted the two-seamer during a recent game and was pleased with the results, noting that it added a new dimension to his pitching arsenal.
While Kranick acknowledges that his velocity has not fully returned since his surgery, he remains optimistic that it will improve as he continues to build strength. For now, he is focused on perfecting his offspeed pitches and developing confidence in his new offerings.
Throughout spring training, Kranick has been enjoying every moment of being a part of the Mets organization. He even had the opportunity to be in camp with his childhood hero, guest instructor David Wright. Although he was too shy to introduce himself, Kranick cherishes the experience and feels grateful for the opportunity to learn from players he admired growing up.
After throwing two perfect innings against the Nationals in a recent game, Kranick’s confidence is at an all-time high. He believes that he is taking a strong first step towards earning a spot in the Mets’ rotation and is excited about the potential doors that his evolving pitches may open for him.
As a lifelong Mets fan, Kranick’s journey from the stands to the field is a testament to the power of determination and perseverance. With his passion for the team fueling his drive, Kranick is ready to seize this opportunity and make his mark on the Mets’ pitching staff. The road may not be easy, but with each pitch, Kranick is inching closer to his dream of becoming a staple in the Mets’ rotation.
