What's Happening?
The Oakland Athletics have signed right-handed pitcher Joel Kuhnel to a minor league contract, as noted in the team's transaction log. Kuhnel, who is represented by Octagon, will compete for a spot in the Athletics'
bullpen during spring training. The 30-year-old pitcher has played parts of four major league seasons, recording a career earned run average (ERA) of 5.86 over 93 2/3 innings. Despite this, Kuhnel has shown potential with a fastball averaging 95.6 mph and a sinker at 95.7 mph, alongside a commendable walk rate of 5.9% and a ground-ball rate of 52%. In the 2025 season, Kuhnel split his time between the Triple-A affiliates of the Yankees and Phillies, achieving a 3.53 ERA over 63 2/3 innings. His performance included a 21.6% strikeout rate and a 65.4% ground-ball rate, indicating his effectiveness in keeping the ball on the ground, a crucial skill for pitchers in the Athletics' home park.
Why It's Important?
The signing of Joel Kuhnel is significant for the Athletics as they look to strengthen their bullpen ahead of the 2026 season. With the team's home park known for being hitter-friendly, Kuhnel's ability to induce ground balls could be a valuable asset. The Athletics have a history of developing pitchers who can thrive in such environments, and Kuhnel's skill set aligns well with this strategy. Additionally, the Athletics' bullpen has several openings, providing Kuhnel with a genuine opportunity to secure a spot on the major league roster. His experience and recent performance in Triple-A suggest he could contribute effectively if given the chance. This move also reflects the Athletics' ongoing efforts to build a competitive team through strategic acquisitions, particularly in the pitching department.
What's Next?
As spring training approaches, Joel Kuhnel will aim to impress the Athletics' coaching staff and earn a place in the major league bullpen. Given that he is out of minor league options, Kuhnel must perform well to avoid being exposed to waivers. If he makes the major league roster, he will need to maintain his performance to remain with the team. The Athletics will likely continue to evaluate their bullpen options, potentially making additional signings or trades to enhance their pitching depth. Kuhnel's performance during spring training will be closely watched, as it could determine his role with the team moving forward.
