SAN FRANCISCO, CALIFORNIA - NOVEMBER 04: Buster Posey #28 of the San Francisco Giants sitting with his wife Kristen Posey speaks at a press conference announcing his retirement from Major League Baseball at Oracle Park on November 04, 2021 in San Francisco, California. (Photo by Thearon W. Henderson/Getty Images)
The Brewers designated Kuhnel for assignment last week. The Giants need to place Kuhnel on their active roster because he is out of options. San Francisco also needs to clear a 40-man roster spot for the right-hander.
San Francisco Giants Claim Joel Kuhnel Off Waivers From Milwaukee Brewers
GettyCINCINNATI, OHIO – JUNE 22: Joel Kuhnel #59 of the Milwaukee Brewers throws a pitch against the Cincinnati Reds at Great American Ball Park on June 22, 2026 in Cincinnati, Ohio. (Photo by Andy Lyons/Getty Images)
Kuhnel, 31, signed a minor-league deal with the Athletics over the winter. The Athletics traded him to the Milwaukee Brewers for cash on June 6.
Kuhnel posted a 4.84 ERA with a 1.47 WHIP and 22 strikeouts over 35 1/3 innings between the Athletics and Brewers this season.
GettyMILWAUKEE, WISCONSIN – JUNE 28: Joel Kuhnel #59 of the Milwaukee Brewers reacts as he walks back to the dugout in the 10th inning against the Chicago Cubs at American Family Field on June 28, 2026 in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. (Photo by Patrick McDermott/Getty Images)
Kuhnel relies on six pitches:
Mid-90s sinker (51.4%)
Low-90s cutter (31.7%)
Low-90s changeup (6.8%)
Mid-90s four-seamer (5.5%)
Low-80s curveball (3.2%)
Mid-to-high-80s slider (1.4%)
Looking at Joel Kuhnel’s Career
GettySACRAMENTO, CALIFORNIA – APRIL 15: Joel Kuhnel #47 of the Athletics pitches against the Texas Rangers in the top of the ninth inning at Sutter Health Park on April 15, 2026 in Sacramento, California. All players are wearing the #42 in honor of Jackie Robinson Day. (Photo by Thearon W. Henderson/Getty Images)
The Cincinnati Reds selected Kuhnel in the 11th round (No. 318 overall) of the 2016 MLB Draft out of the University of Texas at Arlington.
Kuhnel made his MLB debut in 2019. He posted a 6.20 ERA over 74 innings with the Reds from 2019-23. The Reds designated Kuhnel for assignment and traded him to the Houston Astros in mid-July 2023.
GettyCINCINNATI, OH – AUGUST 18: Joel Kuhnel #66 of the Cincinnati Reds pitches in the seventh inning against the St. Louis Cardinals at Great American Ball Park on August 18, 2019 in Cincinnati, Ohio. The Cardinals defeated the Reds 5-4. (Photo by Joe Robbins/Getty Images)
Kunhel made just eight appearances in the majors for the Astros. Houston traded the right-hander the the Toronto Blue Jays for cash in May 2024 after designating him for assignment.
The Blue Jays DFA’d Kuhnel shortly after acquiring him. After clearing waivers, he elected free agency and signed a deal with the Brewers.
GettyHOUSTON, TEXAS – SEPTEMBER 10: Joel Kuhnel #60 of the Houston Astros delivers during the ninth inning against the San Diego Padres at Minute Maid Park on September 10, 2023 in Houston, Texas. (Photo by Carmen Mandato/Getty Images)
The Brewers designated Kuhnel for assignment in July 2024. The Tampa Rays claimed him off waivers. He made five appearances with the Rays.
Kuhnel spent the 2025 season in the minors with the Philadelphia Phillies and New York Yankees organizations. He didn’t return to the majors until this season.
Jackson Kruse Jackson Kruse covers Major League Baseball for Heavy Sports. He is also the site expert for FanSided's Minnesota Twins site, Puckett's Pond, and writes for Nolan Writin', FanSided's Texas Rangers site. Jackson earned a Bachelor of Science in Electronic Media from Texas State University's School of Journalism and Mass Communication. Before joining Heavy Sports and FanSided, he served as sports editor of The University Star, Texas State University's student-run newspaper. More about Jackson Kruse
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San Francisco Giants Acquire 6-Year MLB Player From Brewers Before Mets Series
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The San Francisco Giants acquired a six-year MLB player from the Milwaukee Brewers via a waiver claim before their series against the Mets.
San Francisco Giants Acquire 6-Year MLB Player From Brewers Before Mets Series