Brooks Kriske

Brooks Kriske Bio

Brooks Joseph Kriske is an American professional baseball pitcher currently playing for the Oakland Athletics in Major League Baseball. Born on February 3, 1994, in Palm Desert, California, Kriske has built a journeyman career spanning multiple MLB teams and a stint in Japan’s Nippon Professional Baseball. He debuted in the major leagues with the New York Yankees in 2020 and has since played for the Baltimore Orioles, Kansas City Royals, Chicago Cubs, Minnesota Twins, and two NPB franchises. Kriske was drafted by the Yankees in the sixth round of the 2016 MLB Draft and has accumulated professional experience at both the Triple-A and major league levels across North America and Japan.

Early Life and Background

Kriske grew up in Palm Desert, California, where he attended Palm Desert High School. He played varsity baseball for all four years of his high school career and emerged as a standout pitcher. His high school teams competed in the California Interscholastic Federation State Finals in three consecutive seasons from 2010 to 2012. Kriske played a pivotal role in winning CIF state championships in both 2010 and 2012, showcasing his talent on the biggest stage of high school baseball. In the 2012 championship game, he pitched a complete-game shutout to secure the title. His exceptional performance earned him recognition as a two-time All-State selection during his high school tenure.

Path to Professional Baseball

After graduating from Palm Desert High School, Kriske continued his baseball career at the collegiate level by attending the University of Southern California. He played for the USC Trojans baseball program, one of the most storied college baseball programs in the United States. His time at USC helped develop his pitching skills against top collegiate competition. Kriske’s strong performances caught the attention of professional scouts, and he was selected by the New York Yankees in the sixth round of the 2016 MLB Draft. The selection marked his official entry into professional baseball and set the stage for his eventual MLB career.

Brooks Kriske Career

Early Career (2016–2019)

Kriske began his professional baseball journey in 2016 with the Staten Island Yankees, a Single-A affiliate of the New York Yankees organization. However, his first professional season was cut short when he underwent Tommy John surgery, a common elbow reconstruction procedure for pitchers. The injury forced him to miss the entire 2017 season during his recovery. Despite this early setback, Kriske worked his way back and demonstrated his resilience. He was later promoted to Double-A, playing for the Trenton Thunder, where he earned recognition as an all-star in the Florida State League while pitching for the Tampa Tarpons. Following his strong 2019 season, the Yankees added Kriske to their 40-man roster, protecting him from the Rule 5 Draft and signaling their belief in his potential.

New York Yankees Breakthrough (2020–2021)

Kriske received his first major league call-up on July 26, 2020, when the Yankees selected his contract from Triple-A Scranton/Wilkes-Barre RailRiders. He made his MLB debut on July 29, 2020, against the Baltimore Orioles, pitching one-third of an inning in relief and recording two strikeouts while walking one batter. The abbreviated 2020 season saw Kriske appear in four games for the Yankees, posting a 14.73 earned run average with eight strikeouts in 3.2 innings pitched. The 2021 season brought more opportunities, with Kriske splitting time between Triple-A and the major leagues. On July 21, 2021, he recorded his first MLB win by throwing a scoreless 10th inning against the Philadelphia Phillies, with the Yankees winning in walk-off fashion. However, the following day brought an unusual moment when Kriske was used in a save situation against the Boston Red Sox and tied the MLB regular-season record by throwing four wild pitches in a single inning, resulting in a blown save and a loss. The Yankees designated Kriske for assignment on September 14, 2021.

Baltimore Orioles (2021)

The Baltimore Orioles claimed Kriske off waivers on September 16, 2021, and assigned him to the Triple-A Norfolk Tides. After one scoreless appearance with the Tides, he was promoted to the major league roster on September 19. Kriske made his Orioles debut on September 22 against the Philadelphia Phillies at Citizens Bank Park, retiring Andrew McCutchen on a foul out to end the seventh inning with runners in scoring position. He appeared in four games with Baltimore, posting a 12.27 ERA in 3.2 innings pitched. Following the season, Kriske requested and received his release on November 30 to pursue an international playing opportunity.

Yokohama DeNA BayStars (2022)

On December 8, 2021, Kriske signed with the Yokohama DeNA BayStars of Nippon Professional Baseball, marking his transition to Japanese baseball. He made 18 appearances for the BayStars during the 2022 season, compiling a 1-1 record with a 2.57 earned run average, 26 strikeouts, and one save across 21 innings of work. The move to Japan allowed Kriske to develop his craft in a different baseball culture while gaining valuable international experience. His performance in NPB demonstrated his ability to adapt to different leagues and sustain success at a high level.

Kansas City Royals and Saitama Seibu Lions (2023)

Kriske returned to Major League Baseball on December 15, 2022, signing a minor league contract with the Kansas City Royals. He began the 2023 season with Triple-A Omaha Storm Chasers, posting a 6.00 ERA with 47 strikeouts and five saves in 27 innings. The Royals selected his contract on June 18, 2023, and he appeared in four major league games, recording a 4.05 ERA with six strikeouts in 6.2 innings. Kriske requested and received his release from the Royals on July 21 to continue his career in Japan. He signed with the Saitama Seibu Lions on July 26 for $320,000. In 14 appearances with the Lions, Kriske recorded a 1.93 ERA with 13 strikeouts and seven saves across 14 innings, showcasing his effectiveness as a closer in the late innings.

Chicago Cubs and Minnesota Twins (2025)

Kriske signed a minor league contract with the Chicago Cubs on November 29, 2024. He began the 2025 season with Triple-A Iowa Cubs, logging a 2-0 record with a 3.38 ERA and 28 strikeouts in 18.2 innings. The Cubs selected his contract on May 24, 2025, adding him to their active roster. He made one scoreless appearance, striking out one batter in two innings against the Cincinnati Reds before being designated for assignment on May 29. After clearing waivers and being sent outright to Triple-A Iowa, Kriske was added back to the Cubs roster on July 12. He was designated for assignment again on August 2 following three more scoreless appearances. On August 5, 2025, Kriske was claimed off waivers by the Minnesota Twins. He appeared in 11 games for the Twins, struggling to an 0-1 record and 11.70 ERA with 11 strikeouts over 10 innings. Minnesota designated him for assignment on September 7, and he cleared waivers to join Triple-A St. Paul Saints before electing free agency on September 29.

Oakland Athletics Era (2026–Present)

On December 12, 2025, Kriske signed a minor league contract with the Oakland Athletics. He reported to Triple-A Las Vegas Aviators to begin the 2026 season, where he posted impressive numbers with a 4-1 record and 2.25 ERA along with 25 strikeouts in 10 appearances. The Athletics selected his contract on May 6, 2026, adding him to their active roster. He made two scoreless appearances before being placed on the injured list due to a right shoulder impingement on May 13. He was transferred to the 60-day injured list on June 2 as he continued his recovery.

Pitching Style and Strengths

Kriske operates primarily as a relief pitcher, frequently deployed in high-leverage situations including extra innings and save opportunities. His career has included both starting and relieving roles, with recent seasons emphasizing late-inning work. His ability to record saves in both MLB and NPB demonstrates his capability in closing situations. Kriske has shown the ability to record multiple strikeouts in brief appearances, though his career has also included periods of inconsistency at the major league level.

Notable Events and Milestones

Kriske’s most memorable MLB moment came on July 21, 2021, when he recorded his first career win with a scoreless 10th inning against the Philadelphia Phillies. The following day, he unintentionally made headlines by throwing four wild pitches in a single inning against the Boston Red Sox, tying an MLB regular-season record. His transition to Nippon Professional Baseball in 2022 marked an important chapter, with successful stints for both the Yokohama DeNA BayStars and Saitama Seibu Lions. His seven saves with the Lions in 2023 highlighted his effectiveness as a closer in Japanese baseball. Despite multiple team changes throughout his career, Kriske has continued to find opportunities at the professional level.

Brooks Kriske Career Wins

Throughout his professional career spanning Major League Baseball and Nippon Professional Baseball, Kriske has accumulated wins across multiple organizations. His MLB career win total stands at two victories, while his NPB career includes one win in Japanese professional baseball.

MLB Highlights

Through May 12, 2026, Kriske has appeared in MLB games across multiple seasons with the New York Yankees, Baltimore Orioles, Kansas City Royals, Chicago Cubs, and Minnesota Twins. His career MLB record stands at 2-2 with a career earned run average of 8.93 and 45 total strikeouts. His first major league win came on July 21, 2021, with the Yankees against the Philadelphia Phillies. He has recorded saves at both the MLB and NPB levels, with his most recent MLB appearance coming with the Athletics in May 2026.

NPB and Minor League Highlights

Kriske’s stint in Nippon Professional Baseball proved successful, as he combined for a 2-1 record and 4.50 ERA across two seasons with the Yokohama DeNA BayStars and Saitama Seibu Lions. In 32 total NPB appearances, he recorded 39 strikeouts and eight saves while maintaining a 2.31 earned run average. His 2023 season with the Saitama Seibu Lions was particularly strong, as he converted seven of his eight save opportunities while posting a 1.93 ERA in 14 appearances. His minor league statistics include numerous saves and strong strikeout rates, particularly during his 2024 season with the Triple-A Louisville Bats where he went 5-0 with a 3.10 ERA and 72 strikeouts in 49.1 innings.

Brooks Kriske Family

Family Background and Racing Lineage

While detailed information about Kriske’s parents and family background remains private, one notable fact about his name has been publicly documented. Brooks Joseph Kriske was named after Brooks Robinson, the legendary Hall of Fame third baseman who spent his entire career with the Baltimore Orioles from 1955 to 1977. The naming decision reflects an appreciation for baseball excellence and the sport’s tradition of honoring its stars through family naming choices.

Personal Life

Beyond his baseball career, Kriske has maintained a professional approach to his career despite the频繁 team changes and international moves that have characterized his professional journey. His decision to pursue opportunities in Japan demonstrates his willingness to explore international baseball options when MLB opportunities became limited. Kriske has navigated the challenges of being a journeyman pitcher with resilience, continuing to compete at high levels across different leagues and countries.

2025 Season Performance

The 2025 season represented a year of transitions for Kriske across multiple organizations. He began the year with the Chicago Cubs organization after signing a minor league contract in late 2024. His Triple-A performance with the Iowa Cubs was solid, as he posted a 2-0 record with a 3.38 earned run average in 13 appearances before receiving a major league call-up in late May. His brief stint with the Cubs included one effective appearance against the Cincinnati Reds before being designated for assignment. The Twins claimed him off waivers in August, providing another MLB opportunity, though Kriske struggled in his 11 appearances with Minnesota, posting an 11.70 ERA. Despite the difficulties, his ability to clear waivers and remain in professional baseball demonstrated his value as an experienced pitcher who could contribute at the Triple-A level. Kriske finished the 2025 season with a collective 2-0 minor league record and maintained his pursuit of a permanent MLB roster spot heading into the offseason.