"In 93 2/3 big league frames, he's pitched to a 5.86 earned run average. That's not an appealing mark, of course, but Kuhnel has averaged 95.6 mph on his four-seamer and 95.7 mph on his sinker in his career while regularly posting quality walk and ground-ball rates. His 18.7% strikeout rate is below-average, but he's also walked only 5.9% of his career opponents and kept 52% of batted balls against him on the ground."
"In 2025, Kuhnel split the season between the Triple-A affiliates for the Yankees and Phillies, pitching quite well in both spots. He combined for a 3.53 ERA in 63 2/3 innings of work with a 21.6% strikeout rate, 4.2% walk rate and massive 65.4% ground-ball rate. Kuhnel has typically used his four-seamer and sinker at nearly even rates in the past but far more heavily favored his sinker in '25, tossing it at a 37% clip to just an 18% usage rate on the four-seamer."
The Athletics signed right-hander Joel Kuhnel to a minor-league deal; he will compete for a bullpen spot during spring training. Kuhnel has four major-league seasons of experience and has thrown 93 2/3 innings with a 5.86 ERA while averaging roughly 95.6–95.7 mph on his four-seamer and sinker. He has career rates of a 18.7% strikeout rate, 5.9% walk rate and 52% ground-ball rate. In 2025 he posted a 3.53 ERA in 63 2/3 Triple-A innings with a 21.6% strikeout rate, 4.2% walk rate and a 65.4% ground-ball rate. He increased sinker usage to 37% in 2025, generating a career-high ground-ball rate. Kuhnel is out of minor-league options and would need to stick on the big-league roster or face waivers; he could reject a minor-league assignment and elect free agency. The A's currently have many bullpen innings available, with limited veteran relief experience on the roster.
Read at MLB Trade Rumors
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