The Washington Nationals added some much-needed bullpen depth Friday morning, signing right-handed reliever Max Kranick to a contract, according to Will Sammon of The Athletic. The deal is pending a physical.

Kranick, 28, was non-tendered by the New York Mets in November after a solid 2025 campaign. In 24 relief appearances covering 37 innings, he posted a 3.65 ERA with 25 strikeouts and issued just five walks—an impressive 1.2 BB/9 rate that shows elite command.

Originally drafted by the Pittsburgh Pirates in the 11th round of the 2016 MLB Draft, Kranick's development was derailed by Tommy John surgery in 2022. He worked his way back with the Mets but now gets a fresh start in Washington, a team that could use reliable arms in the bullpen.

Don't expect Kranick to take the mound for the Nationals right away. According to Steve Adams of MLB Trade Rumors, Kranick threw for teams back in January and was targeting a second-half return from the injured list. Once the deal is finalized, he'll likely begin a throwing progression followed by a lengthy minor league rehab stint.

One key detail: Kranick is out of minor league options. That means if the Nationals promote him to the big-league roster at any point, they'll have to keep him active or risk losing him to the waiver wire. It's a calculated gamble for a Washington club looking to shore up its pitching staff for the stretch run.