We’re about two weeks into the New York Mets’= season. They’re currently 9-5, with many players standing out. Slugger Pete Alonso is off to the best start to a season he’s ever had, and many of the NY Mets’ pitchers have showed in their starts. However, while it’s still early, some have already proven to belong in the Major Leagues. Meanwhile, others may be looking from the outside looking in at Triple-A by the start of May.
Max Kranick continues to show why he belongs in the big leagues
If you were skeptical of Max Kranick, you wouldn’t be blamed. Kranick barely had any Major League experience heading into this season. He only had 43.2 innings under his belt with the Pittsburgh Pirates in 2021 and 2022, and even then, the results weren’t pretty either, with a 5.56 ERA, 4.46 FIP, and 1.65 WHIP.
Kranick barely pitched in 2022 or 2023, as he underwent Tommy John surgery early in 2022. His numbers at Triple-A Syracuse last season weren’t great either. He may have had a solid 3.57 ERA and 7.7% walk rate but a poor 5.41 FIP, 20.4% strikeout percentage, and 1.71 HR/9 in 63 frames. But the Mets showed a ton of confidence in Kranick, and it has paid off so far.
Kranick has tossed nine innings across five games and has yet to allow an earned run. He also hasn’t allowed a walk yet. The right-hander has only struck out five batters, but only two have reached base via hit. He has mostly been used in a multi-inning role, but the Mets sticking with Kranick despite his mediocre Triple-A numbers last year and previous injuries looks like a good bet.