Matthew Edward Krook Bio
Matthew Edward Krook is an American professional baseball pitcher who currently plays for the Athletics of Major League Baseball. Born on October 21, 1994, in Hillsborough, California, Krook has spent nearly a decade working through minor league systems before reaching the major leagues in 2023. He has appeared in MLB for the New York Yankees, Baltimore Orioles, and Athletics, bringing experience from multiple organizations throughout his professional journey. Krook was originally selected by the Miami Marlins in the first round of the 2013 MLB draft before ultimately signing with the San Francisco Giants following an unexpected turn of events during his draft process.
Early Life and Background
Matthew Edward Krook grew up in Hillsborough, California, where he developed his passion for baseball at a young age. He attended St. Ignatius College Preparatory in San Francisco, California, and quickly established himself as one of the top prep pitchers in the country. During his senior year at St. Ignatius, Krook posted a 2-1 win-loss record with a 1.65 earned run average, demonstrating the exceptional talent that would attract major league attention.
His outstanding high school performance earned him recognition as a First Team All-American and All-Region selection by Perfect Game. He was also named to the All-State team by MaxPreps, solidifying his status as one of the premier pitching prospects eligible for the 2013 MLB draft. Colleges across the nation recruited him heavily, but Krook ultimately chose to continue his baseball career closer to home.
Path to Professional Baseball
The Miami Marlins selected Krook in the competitive balance round with the 35th overall pick of the 2013 MLB draft. Despite initially agreeing to terms on a contract, Krook failed his physical examination due to an unspecified issue with his left shoulder. The Marlins withdrew their offer, and Krook declined to accept a reduced signing bonus, forcing him to reconsider his options for continuing his baseball career.
Rather than accepting the Marlins’ reduced offer, Krook enrolled at the University of Oregon to play college baseball for the Oregon Ducks. This decision allowed him to develop his skills at the collegiate level while maintaining his draft eligibility for future professional opportunities.
Matthew Edward Krook Career
College Career (2013-2016)
Krook made an immediate impact during his freshman season with the Oregon Ducks. He earned Louisville Slugger First-Team Freshman All-American honors while posting a 2-1 record with a remarkable 1.79 ERA and 60 strikeouts. His standout performances included an 11-strikeout game against Loyola Marymount and a quality start against Hawaii where he allowed only five hits over seven innings.
Unfortunately, Krook’s freshman season ended prematurely when he experienced arm stiffness during a game against Washington State. He underwent Tommy John surgery on April 22, a procedure performed by renowned orthopedic surgeon Dr. James Andrews. The injury forced him to miss his entire sophomore season, though he maintained his passion for the game throughout his recovery. During the summer of 2015, Krook played collegiately for the Wareham Gatemen of the Cape Cod League, where he appeared in six starts and recorded 15 strikeouts.
San Francisco Giants Organization (2016-2017)
The San Francisco Giants selected Krook in the fourth round with the 125th overall selection of the 2016 MLB draft. He signed with the organization and reported to the rookie-level Arizona League Giants before earning a promotion to the Low-A Salem-Keizer Volcanoes. In his first professional season, Krook combined to go 1-4 with a 5.53 ERA across 13 appearances, including 11 starts, between both affiliates.
He returned to the Giants organization for the 2017 season with the High-A San Jose Giants. Krook appeared in 25 games, making 17 starts, and posted a 4-9 record with a 5.12 ERA as he continued adjusting to professional competition.
Tampa Bay Rays (2018-2020)
On December 20, 2017, the Giants traded Krook along with Christian Arroyo, Denard Span, and Stephen Woods Jr. to the Tampa Bay Rays in exchange for Evan Longoria and cash considerations. Krook spent the 2018 season with the Double-A Montgomery Biscuits, where he appeared in 37 games and registered a 4-2 record with a 4.26 ERA, including 52 strikeouts in 50 innings pitched.
He returned to Montgomery to begin the 2019 season, making 32 appearances with 18 starts. Krook posted a 2-3 record with a 4.50 ERA before the 2020 minor league season was canceled due to the COVID-19 pandemic, leaving him without a season to play.
New York Yankees (2020-2024)
On December 10, 2020, the New York Yankees selected Krook from the Rays in the minor league phase of the Rule 5 draft. He began the 2021 season with the Double-A Somerset Patriots and earned a promotion to the Triple-A Scranton/Wilkes-Barre RailRiders during the season. Krook served as the RailRiders Opening Day starter in 2022 and delivered an outstanding campaign, posting a 10-7 record with a 4.09 ERA while recording 155 strikeouts—breaking Carlton Loewer’s franchise record that had stood since 1997.
The Yankees added Krook to their 40-man roster on November 10, 2022, protecting him from the Rule 5 draft. He began 2023 with Scranton/Wilkes-Barre, where he transitioned into a relief role and dominated with a 1.04 ERA and 34 strikeouts in just over 17 innings across 12 appearances. On May 27, 2023, the Yankees promoted Krook to the major leagues for the first time in his career. He made his MLB debut on June 16 at Fenway Park against the Boston Red Sox. In four appearances for the Yankees, he logged four innings with three strikeouts. The Yankees designated Krook for assignment on February 13, 2024.
Baltimore Orioles (2024)
On February 18, 2024, the Yankees traded Krook to the Baltimore Orioles in exchange for cash considerations. He reported to the Triple-A Norfolk Tides to begin the season and was called up to the majors when Corbin Burnes was placed on the paternity list on June 28. Krook appeared in games for the Orioles before returning to Norfolk after a rough outing against the Texas Rangers where he surrendered a three-run homer. The Orioles designated him for assignment on July 30, and he cleared waivers before being sent outright to Norfolk on August 2. He elected free agency following the season on November 4.
Athletics (2025-Present)
On November 15, 2024, Krook signed a minor league contract with the Athletics. He made 12 appearances for the Triple-A Las Vegas Aviators, posting a 3-1 record with a 3.21 ERA and 21 strikeouts over 14 innings. On May 16, 2025, the Athletics selected Krook’s contract, adding him to their active roster. He appeared in three games for Oakland before being designated for assignment on May 27. The Cleveland Guardians claimed him off waivers on May 29, 2025.
Krook made 30 appearances for the Triple-A Columbus Clippers with the Guardians organization, recording a 2-0 record with a 3.18 ERA and 40 strikeouts over 34 innings. On November 6, the Guardians removed him from their 40-man roster and sent him outright to Columbus. Krook rejected the assignment and elected free agency. He returned to the Athletics on November 22, 2025, signing another minor league contract and beginning the 2026 season with Las Vegas, where he posted a 2-2 record with a 3.72 ERA and 42 strikeouts across 25 appearances. The Athletics selected his contract on June 21, 2026, adding him back to their active roster.
Pitching Style and Strengths
Krook has developed into a capable left-handed reliever throughout his professional career. After spending most of his early career as a starting pitcher, he successfully transitioned to the bullpen with the Yankees organization in 2023. His ability to pitch effectively in multiple roles has made him a valuable depth piece for organizations seeking experienced left-handed bullpen options. His experience starting Opening Day for Scranton/Wilkes-Barre in 2022 demonstrates his versatility and ability to handle high-pressure situations.
Matthew Edward Krook Career Performance
Throughout his professional career spanning nearly a decade in minor league systems, Krook has demonstrated resilience and adaptability across multiple organizations. His journey to MLB included stops with the San Francisco Giants, Tampa Bay Rays, New York Yankees, Baltimore Orioles, and Athletics organizations. He set a Scranton/Wilkes-Barre franchise record with 155 strikeouts in a single season during 2022, highlighting his potential as an impact arm when operating at full capacity.
At the major league level, Krook has appeared in games with the Yankees, Orioles, and Athletics, though his sample size remains limited. Through June 25, 2026, he has logged an 0-0 record with a 13.91 ERA and 11 strikeouts across a small number of MLB appearances. His professional career has been characterized by his ability to overcome adversity, including recovering from Tommy John surgery early in his college career.
Notable Achievements
Krook’s career includes several notable accomplishments that underscore his persistence and talent. His 155 strikeouts for Scranton/Wilkes-Barre in 2022 set a new franchise record, surpassing a mark that had stood for nearly three decades. His college career included Freshman All-American honors and a standout 11-strikeout performance against Loyola Marymount. High school achievements included being named a First Team All-American and All-Region selection, establishing his reputation as an elite prospect from an early age.
2025 Season Performance
The 2025 season represented a period of transition and opportunity for Matthew Edward Krook. After beginning the year with the Athletics organization, he signed with the team in November 2024 following his departure from the Orioles. His performance with the Triple-A Las Vegas Aviators early in the season—posting a 3-1 record with a 3.21 ERA—earned him a promotion to the major league roster on May 16. However, his time in Oakland proved brief as he was designated for assignment just 11 days later.
The Guardians claimed Krook off waivers on May 29, providing him with another opportunity to contribute at the Triple-A level with the Columbus Clippers. He responded positively, posting a 2-0 record with a 3.18 ERA and 40 strikeouts across 30 appearances. While he did not secure a permanent big league role in 2025, his consistency at the Triple-A level kept his career trajectory moving forward. The Guardians ultimately removed him from their 40-man roster in November, leading him to return to the Athletics organization where he had begun the year.