2) Max Kranick
Everyone’s favorite reliever—well, maybe not quite anymore—came to the Mets prior to the 2024 season via waiver claim from the Pittsburgh Pirates. By now you know the whole story. Kranick was an oft-injured Pirates starting pitcher who the Mets turned into a reliever last year in Triple-A with much success. An impressive spring training helped earn him a roster spot. He has put in the work and been one of the better arms out of the bullpen all season long despite an ERA now sitting at 3.65.
Kranick has been a strike-throwing machine without a whole lot of strikeouts. His walk rate of 3.1% is magnificent while the strikeout rate of 16.5% is well below the league average. He has since been passed on the depth chart by Huascar Brazoban. However, Kranick remains a valuable asset in the bullpen for the Mets with the capability of going multiple innings at a time.
The Mets have already taken advantage of the extra minor league option Kranick gained. He was sent to the minors for a day last month only to return soon after as the replacement for Jose Siri. It was nothing personal against Kranick. He seems like a steady presence for the team now and moving forward as long as he continues to perform.