The Athletics signed left-handed pitcher Matt Krook to a minor league contract late last week, according to his transaction log on MLB.com. The 30-year-old elected free agency earlier this month.
Eleven years ago, the Marlins selected Krook out of high school in Competitive Balance Round A of the 2013 draft. While he planned to sign a contract, the team discovered a left shoulder injury during his physical, and the two sides were unable to come to terms on a signing bonus. Things continued to go downhill for Krook when an elbow injury cut his freshman season at the University of Oregon short; he would undergo Tommy John surgery that spring.
The Giants took Krook in the fourth round of the 2016 draft, and this time he signed a deal and entered the organization. After parts of two seasons in San Francisco’s farm system, he was included in the trade that brought Evan Longoria from the Rays to the Giants. Three years later, the Yankees selected Krook away from the Rays in the minor league phase of the Rule 5 draft, and another two years after that, they added him to the 40-man roster to prevent him from electing minor league agency.
The Yankees made Krook a full-time reliever in 2023, and he kicked off his major league career that same season. Tossing four innings across four separate stints with the big league club, he gave up 11 earned runs, walking six and striking out just three. It was no surprise that control issues were his downfall; he came into his MLB debut with a career 14.3% walk rate in the minors. Despite his ever-present control problems, his minor league numbers were excellent that year (1.32 ERA, 2.81 FIP in 34 IP), but even so, they weren’t enough to stop New York from designating him for assignment over the offseason.
The Orioles put in a claim and sent the Yankees cash to acquire the lefty. Although he looked solid over 43 2/3 frames with Triple-A Norfolk (3.92 ERA, 4.49 FIP), Krook only got the chance to pitch one inning with the O’s in 2024. He allowed three runs (two earned) on a three-run shot off the bat of Rangers rookie Wyatt Langford. While he technically lowered his career ERA from 24.75 to 23.40, it wasn’t the image-rehabilitating showing he was surely hoping for. Baltimore DFA’d Krook at the trade deadline and outrighted him to Triple-A a few days later.
Krook will look to get another crack at the majors in 2025, this time with the A’s. Outside of star closer Mason Miller, the Athletics don’t have much in the way of top-end talent or depth in the bullpen, so Krook should have a clear path to playing time if he pitches well. His minor league deal presumably includes an invitation to spring training, where he’ll have his first chance to make a good impression on his new club.
“I am not a Krook!”
“Tricky Dick” at his best. You beat me to that one.
This must be that big payroll bump Dave Kaval promised!
Elias, you dropped another waiver claim there. Time to load up again on lotto tix.
Unsure why you DFA Kyle Muller and waive Royber Salinas and sign Krook? Muller was starting to put it some good innings and Salinas is going to find some command at some point and when he does he is going to be awesome.
So crucial for the Jumbos to have him in the rotation. Even if he gets pulled out early, the As now have multiple ways to win. By hook or by Krook!