Max Kranick is taking another shot at the big leagues, and this time, he's heading to the nation's capital. Multiple reports confirm that the Washington Nationals are signing the Valley View High School graduate to a contract, pending a physical. It's the latest chapter in a resilient journey that has seen the right-handed pitcher battle back from significant injuries—and he's proving he's not done yet.
Last season, Kranick started with the New York Mets, where he made 24 relief appearances and posted a solid 3.25 ERA with a 3-2 record. He was lights out with control, walking just five batters while striking out 25 over 37 innings. But in June, his season was cut short when he landed on the injured list, eventually undergoing flexor tendon surgery in July. The Mets non-tendered him in November, making him a free agent.
Just 10 months after surgery, Kranick showed he still has gas in the tank. At a showcase event in Philadelphia on April 17, he wowed scouts—including those from the Nationals—by hitting 94-95 mph on his fastball. Washington, a team desperate for pitching depth, took notice. Entering Saturday, the Nationals ranked 29th in MLB with a 5.01 team ERA, so Kranick's arrival couldn't come at a better time.
It's likely Kranick will start with a rehab stint in the minors to build up his arm strength, but if everything goes according to plan, he could make his Nationals debut in the second half of the season. For a pitcher who has already overcome Tommy John surgery (June 2022), a flexor tendon procedure, and a transition from starter to reliever, this is just another hurdle.
Kranick's journey has been anything but ordinary. Drafted by the Pittsburgh Pirates in the 11th round of the 2016 MLB Draft, he made his major league debut on June 27, 2021, against the St. Louis Cardinals—throwing five perfect innings before a rain delay ended his night. After Tommy John surgery, he worked his way back through the minors, and the Mets claimed him off waivers in January 2024. He made the Mets' Opening Day roster last season after a strong spring training and even earned a spot on their postseason roster for the NL Wild Card Series against the Milwaukee Brewers.
Kranick isn't the only Valley View grad making waves. Mason Black, another product of the same high school, is back in the majors with the Kansas City Royals. After being called up from Triple-A Omaha, Black has been electric out of the bullpen. In four appearances, he hasn't allowed a single run, surrendering just seven hits and two walks while striking out five over 4.2 innings. He made his Royals debut on April 19 at Yankee Stadium, tossing 1.2 scoreless innings, and closed out a 12-1 win over the Los Angeles Angels on April 25 with a two-strikeout ninth inning.
For Kranick, signing with the Nationals represents a fresh start—and a chance to prove that his comeback is for real. With a fastball that's already back in the mid-90s and a track record of defying the odds, don't be surprised to see him back on a big league mound soon.