Mets pitcher Max Kranick is facing a significant setback as he is scheduled for Tommy John surgery for the second time in just over three years, raising doubts about when he might return to the mound. This comes after Kranick’s recent efforts to secure a stable role in the major leagues, making his recovery outlook especially critical for both him and the Mets organization.
Background on Kranick’s Injury and Recent Performances
Kranick originally underwent his first ulnar collateral ligament (UCL) surgery in June 2022 while with the Pittsburgh Pirates, which sidelined him for nearly the entire 2023 season. After being claimed off waivers by the Mets in January 2024, he spent time in the minors before debuting with the Mets in 2025. During that season, Kranick pitched 37 innings with a 3.65 ERA, showcasing a low 3.4% walk rate—ranking fifth among 347 pitchers with at least 30 innings—though his 16.9% strikeout rate remained below average.
Details on Surgery and Impact on Future Playing Time
According to reports, there is a chance Kranick might avoid the complete Tommy John procedure if he undergoes a less severe flexor tendon surgery instead, which could potentially shorten his recovery timeline. However, this remains uncertain, and the surgery is still expected to be a major operation. Given the timing and that this is his second such surgery, Kranick is likely to miss the entire 2026 season, with a return at the earliest in September 2026.
Contract and Roster Considerations Moving Forward
Kranick is arbitration-eligible for the first time this coming winter, and the Mets face a difficult decision whether to tender him a contract. Retaining him would require dedicating a spot on the 40-man roster throughout the offseason, as there is no 60-day injured list during this period. For now, Kranick will be placed on the 60-day injured list when the Mets need to free up a roster spot, allowing him to continue accruing major league service time and salary this season.
Long-Term Outlook for Kranick’s Career
If the Mets decide to keep him on the roster through the offseason, Kranick can be placed on the 60-day injured list starting in spring training, helping manage the roster logistics. Despite the challenges ahead, Kranick remains under team control through the 2028 season, leaving room for a potential comeback once he fully recovers.
“Kranick could avoid a full Tommy John and undergo flexor tendon surgery instead. That would still be a major operation but it’s possible Kranick could come back with a slightly less severe timeline.”
—Anthony DiComo, MLB.com
“Mets reliever Max Kranick is slated to undergo Tommy John surgery.”
—Laura Albanese, Newsday
Our Reader’s Queries
Q. What happened to Max Kranick?
A. PHILADELPHIA — Max Kranick, who has performed well for the Mets’ bullpen this season, will be sidelined for much of the summer due to an injury. An MRI showed he has a flexor strain in his pitching arm, meaning he won’t be able to throw for three to four weeks.