Max Kranick made 24 appearances for the Mets last season. He previously pitched for the Pirates. Reinhold Matay / Imagn Images
WASHINGTON — The Washington Nationals are signing right-handed reliever Max Kranick to a major-league deal, league sources told The Athletic on Friday. The 28-year-old last pitched in the majors for the New York Mets in 2025, holding a 3.65 ERA in 24 appearances. It is not yet clear who the corresponding move will be, given that the deal is pending a physical.
Kranick had elbow surgery last July, but has seemed to recuperate his stuff in the 10 months that followed. His fastball sat around 94-95 mph at a recent showcase, which isn’t far off last year’s velocity. For Washington, he will slot into the bullpen, though he has interest in the future in becoming a starting pitcher.
Right-hander Max Kranick and the Washington Nationals are in agreement on a deal, pending physical, league sources tell The Athletic.
— Will Sammon (@WillSammon) May 1, 2026
Washington’s bullpen has been trending in the right direction over the last few weeks, but it remains a unit with many unproven arms. This offseason, the team did not sign a single reliever to a major-league deal. It also dealt with several recent injuries, including to closer Clayton Beeter and righty Cole Henry (15-day IL) and lefty Ken Waldichuk (60-day IL).
Also on Friday, the Nationals acquired cash or a player to be named later from the Detroit Tigers in exchange for infielder Zack Short, sources said. Short will report to Detroit’s Triple-A affiliate. Washington had traded for Short in March in a deal that sent cash considerations to the New York Yankees. The 30-year-old has not played a game in the majors this season.
May 1, 2026
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