Max Kranick: Everything you need to know

The Nationals signed Kranick (elbow) to a one-year contract Friday, Spencer Nusbaum of The Athletic reports. Kranick held a showcase for teams earlier this month and sat in the 94-to-95 mph range with his fastball, which is right around the 95.6 mph he averaged last year with the Mets. He's less than 10 months removed from flexor tendon surgery, so it's unclear when he might be ready to pitch at the big-league level. Kranick hasn't reached arbitration eligibility yet, so the Nationals will retain control of the righty for multiple seasons.

Kranick (elbow) will throw for teams Friday in Philadelphia, Will Sammon of The Athletic reports. Kranick has been a free agent since November while recovering from flexor tendon surgery, but he will now have a chance to prove his health in 2026. The right-hander posted a 3.65 ERA and 1.05 WHIP with 25 strikeouts over 37 innings in 24 appearances out of the bullpen with the Mets last season before suffering the elbow injury in July.

The Mets non-tendered Kranick (elbow) on Friday, Will Sammon of The Athletic reports. Kranick underwent flexor tendon surgery in July, which will sideline him well into the 2026 season. It's possible the Mets bring him back on a minor-league contract, but he's now free to negotiate with all organizations. Kranick held a 3.65 ERA and 25:5 K:BB over 37 innings out of the Mets' bullpen in 2025.