Kevin Andrew Ginkel Bio
Kevin Andrew Ginkel is an American professional baseball pitcher for the Arizona Diamondbacks of Major League Baseball (MLB). Born on March 24, 1994, in Lakeside, California, Ginkel has established himself as a reliable reliever for the Diamondbacks since making his MLB debut in 2019. He is known for his effective slider and ability to pitch high-leverage situations, particularly as a setup man in the late innings. Ginkel achieved a significant milestone in 2023 when he became the first Diamondbacks pitcher to finish a season with an undefeated 9-0 record, helping the team capture their first National League pennant in 22 years.
Early Life and Background
Ginkel grew up in Lakeside, California, where he attended El Capitan High School. During his high school years, he developed his skills as a pitcher, demonstrating the talent that would later carry him to the collegiate and professional levels. His early exposure to baseball in the San Diego area provided a strong foundation for his future career in the sport.
After graduating from El Capitan High School, Ginkel continued his baseball career at the collegiate level. He played college baseball at Southwestern College before transferring to the University of Arizona, one of the premier baseball programs in the country. His time at the University of Arizona helped refine his pitching mechanics and prepared him for the challenges of professional baseball. Ginkel also played for the Cotuit Kettleers of the Cape Cod Baseball League in 2015, a prestigious summer league known for developing future professional players.
Path to Professional Baseball
Despite his talents, Ginkel did not receive immediate draft attention from MLB teams. He was selected by the San Francisco Giants in the 16th round of the 2014 MLB draft but did not sign, choosing to return to college. The following year, the Boston Red Sox drafted him in the 26th round of the 2015 MLB draft, but again he elected to remain in school to further develop his skills. This patience paid off when the Arizona Diamondbacks selected Ginkel in the 22nd round of the 2016 MLB draft, and this time he signed to begin his professional career.
Kevin Andrew Ginkel Career
Minor League Career (2016–2019)
Ginkel began his professional career with the Hillsboro Hops in 2016, going 1-0 with a 2.61 ERA in 18 relief appearances. He split the 2017 season between Hillsboro and the Kane County Cougars, posting a combined 1-2 record with a 5.36 ERA over 40 and one-third innings of relief work. The 2018 season marked his breakthrough in the minor leagues, as he went 6-1 with a spectacular 1.41 ERA in 54 appearances split between the Visalia Rawhide and Jackson Generals. His dominant performance earned him a spot in the Arizona Fall League following the season.
In 2019, Ginkel continued his strong minor league play, splitting the season between the Arizona League Diamondbacks, Jackson, and the Triple-A Reno Aces. He went a combined 2-2 with a 1.78 ERA in 34 innings, demonstrating his ability to handle advanced competition. His consistent performances at every minor league level caught the attention of the Diamondbacks organization, leading to his first major league promotion.
MLB Breakthrough (2019–2022)
On August 5, 2019, the Diamondbacks selected Ginkel’s contract and promoted him to the major leagues. He made his MLB debut that same night against the Philadelphia Phillies, pitching two-thirds of an inning and recording one strikeout against J.T. Realmuto. Ginkel impressed throughout the remainder of the 2019 season, finishing with a 3-0 record and a 1.48 ERA in 24 and one-third innings. His ability to get outs while maintaining a low ERA established him as a valuable piece in the Diamondbacks bullpen.
The 2020 and 2021 seasons presented challenges for Ginkel as he struggled with consistency. He recorded a 6.75 ERA in 2020 with 18 strikeouts over 16 innings, and in 2021 he posted a 6.35 ERA in 28 and one-third innings across 32 appearances. Following the 2021 season, the Diamondbacks removed him from the 40-man roster and outrighted him to Triple-A Reno on November 19, 2021. Ginkel showed resilience by having his contract selected by the team on August 1, 2022, and he responded with a solid season, posting a 3.38 ERA with 30 strikeouts in 30 appearances.
Arizona Diamondbacks Era (2023–Present)
The 2023 season became the defining chapter of Ginkel’s career. He appeared in 60 games, going 9-1 with four saves, a 2.48 ERA, and 70 strikeouts. He set career highs in wins and strikeouts while holding opponents to a .162 average against his slider. Most notably, Ginkel became the first Diamondbacks pitcher to finish a season 9-0, surpassing Micah Owings’ previous franchise record of 8-0 set in 2011. His consistency was remarkable, as he performed effectively both at home and on the road against both right-handed and left-handed hitters.
In the postseason, Ginkel emerged as a crucial piece of Arizona’s bullpen. He did not allow a run in 10 playoff appearances, setting a franchise record with 10 consecutive scoreless outings to begin his postseason career. Ginkel earned his first postseason win in Game 4 of the 2023 National League Championship Series against the Philadelphia Phillies. In Game 7, he entered with the tying runs on base in the seventh inning and retired Trea Turner and Bryce Harper, then struck out the side in the eighth to help the Diamondbacks win their first pennant in 22 years.
The 2024 season saw Ginkel appear in 72 games for the Diamondbacks, compiling an 8-3 record with a 3.21 ERA, 77 strikeouts, and five saves over 70 innings. His durability and consistency continued to make him a reliable option for the bullpen. However, the 2025 season presented significant challenges as Ginkel struggled to a 1-4 record with a 7.36 ERA in 29 appearances. On August 3, 2025, he was placed on the injured list due to a right shoulder sprain, and he was transferred to the 60-day injured list three days later, effectively ending his season.
Pitching Style and Strengths
Ginkel has built his reputation as a reliable setup man for the Diamondbacks, typically pitching the seventh or eighth inning in high-leverage situations. His primary weapon is a sharp slider that has proven particularly devastating against right-handed hitters. Opponents batted just .162 against his slider during his standout 2023 season. Ginkel’s ability to generate swings and misses combined with his competitive mindset has made him a trusted option for managers when protecting late-inning leads.
Notable Events and Milestones
Ginkel’s signature career moment came during the 2023 postseason when he preserved a crucial Game 7 of the National League Championship Series. With the tying runs on base, he retired Trea Turner and Bryce Harper before striking out the side in the following inning, helping to secure Arizona’s first pennant since 2001. His minor league career included a dominant 2018 season where he went 6-1 with a 1.41 ERA between Visalia and Jackson, and his 2023 campaign stands as his most successful MLB season to date.
Kevin Andrew Ginkel Career Wins
Throughout his MLB career spanning from 2019 to 2025, Ginkel has accumulated a win-loss record of 24-14 with a 3.77 ERA and 316 strikeouts. His career highlight came in 2023 when he went 9-1 with four saves and a 2.48 ERA in 60 appearances, becoming the first Diamondbacks pitcher to finish undefeated in a season while also setting a franchise record for consecutive scoreless postseason appearances. He followed with an 8-3 season in 2024, appearing in 72 games with five saves.
Arizona Diamondbacks Highlights
Ginkel’s time with the Diamondbacks has been defined by his reliability and clutch performances. His 2023 season stands as the crown jewel of his career, as he went 9-1 with 70 strikeouts in 60 games and played an instrumental role in the team’s run to the World Series. His first MLB win came during the 2019 season when he went 3-0 as a rookie. The 2024 campaign added to his credentials with eight wins and five saves across 72 appearances.
Other Career Highlights
Before reaching the majors, Ginkel excelled in the minor leagues, including a 2018 season where he went 6-1 with a 1.41 ERA in 54 appearances between Visalia and Jackson. His 2019 minor league performance included a 2-2 record with a 1.78 ERA split between Triple-A Reno and Double-A Jackson, and his 2016 debut season with Hillsboro saw him post a 2.61 ERA in 18 relief appearances.
| Series | Wins | Losses | ERA | Strikeouts |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| MLB (Career) | 24 | 14 | 3.77 | 316 |
| 2023 Season | 9 | 1 | 2.48 | 70 |
| 2024 Season | 8 | 3 | 3.21 | 77 |
Kevin Andrew Ginkel Family
Family Background
Kevin Andrew Ginkel was born on March 24, 1994, in Lakeside, California, to his parents. Specific details about his family members are not widely available in public sources. Ginkel’s background as a San Diego-area native provided him with the opportunity to develop his baseball skills in California, a state known for producing numerous professional baseball players.
Personal Life
Ginkel graduated from El Capitan High School in Lakeside, California, before pursuing his college baseball career. He has maintained connections to his California roots throughout his professional career. Information regarding his marital status, spouse, or children is not publicly available. His focus on baseball has been evident throughout his career, as he has worked to establish himself as a durable and effective reliever in Major League Baseball.
2025 Season Performance
The 2025 season proved to be a challenging year for Ginkel after his breakout 2023 campaign and solid 2024 season. He made 29 appearances for the Diamondbacks but struggled significantly, posting a 1-4 record with a 7.36 ERA and 29 strikeouts across 25 and two-thirds innings. His five saves were insufficient to offset his struggles, as his earned run average ballooned more than three runs from his 2024 figure. The difficulty he experienced on the mound marked a notable decline from his previous performance levels.
The season took a significant turn on August 3, 2025, when the Diamondbacks placed Ginkel on the injured list due to a right shoulder sprain. Three days later, he was transferred to the 60-day injured list, effectively ending his season before he could attempt a recovery. The injury marked a concerning development for the veteran reliever, as shoulder issues can be particularly challenging for pitchers to overcome. His absence created an opportunity for other members of the Diamondbacks bullpen to assume larger roles in late-game situations.
The outlook for Ginkel will depend heavily on his recovery from the shoulder injury during the offseason and into spring training. Prior to the 2025 struggles and injury, he had proven himself as a durable and effective reliever capable of handling heavy workloads. The Diamondbacks will likely monitor his rehabilitation closely, as his experience and past success, particularly during the 2023 pennant run, remain valuable assets if he can return to full health. His ability to rediscover the form that made him one of the most reliable setup men in the National League will be a storyline to follow in future seasons.