Kody Funderburk Bio
Kody Funderburk (born November 27, 1996) is an American professional baseball pitcher who currently plays for the Minnesota Twins of Major League Baseball (MLB). He made his MLB debut in August 2023 and has established himself as a versatile relief pitcher in the Twins organization. Funderburk was drafted by Minnesota in the 15th round of the 2018 MLB Draft and worked his way through the minor leagues before earning a spot on the Twins 40-man roster. As of late June 2026, he has compiled an 8-2 record with a 4.21 earned run average and 102 strikeouts across his time in the majors.
Early Life and Background
Kody Funderburk was born on November 27, 1996. He grew up and attended high school in Queen Creek, Arizona, where he graduated from Queen Creek High School. His formative years in Arizona provided the foundation for his development as a baseball player.
Path to Professional Baseball
After completing high school, Funderburk began his college baseball career at Mesa Community College. He then transferred to Dallas Baptist University, where he continued to develop his pitching skills against collegiate competition. His performance at Dallas Baptist University caught the attention of major league scouts. The Minnesota Twins selected Funderburk in the 15th round of the 2018 MLB Draft, using the 454th overall pick to acquire him. This selection marked his entry into professional baseball and the beginning of his journey through the Twins minor league system.
Kody Funderburk Career
Minor League Career (2018-2023)
Funderburk made his professional debut in 2018 with the rookie-level Elizabethton Twins. He appeared in 10 games and posted a 4.93 earned run average. The following season in 2019, he played primarily for the Single-A Cedar Rapids Kernels while also making one appearance for the High-A Fort Myers Miracle. In 12 games with Fort Myers, he recorded a 4.68 earned run average with 55 strikeouts across 50 innings of work. The 2020 season was cancelled due to the COVID-19 pandemic, which resulted in the minor league season not being played.
He returned to action in 2021, splitting the year between Cedar Rapids and the Double-A Wichita Wind Surge. In 18 games split between the two affiliates, Funderburk combined to go 4-3 with a 2.55 earned run average, 82 strikeouts, and 4 saves in 67 innings. He spent the entire 2022 season back in Wichita and delivered his strongest minor league performance, registering a 10-5 record with a 2.94 earned run average and 103 strikeouts in 107 innings of work. This breakout campaign positioned him for his eventual major league call-up.
Minnesota Twins Breakthrough (2023-Present)
Funderburk began the 2023 season with Double-A Wichita and was promoted to the Triple-A St. Paul Saints after just 5 games. In 37 appearances for the Saints, he registered a 2.60 earned run average with 75 strikeouts and 5 saves in 52 innings of work. His strong performance in the minors earned him a spot on the 40-man roster.
On August 28, 2023, Funderburk was selected to the 40-man roster and promoted to the major leagues for the first time. He made his MLB debut that same day against the Cleveland Guardians. He earned his first major league win after pitching two perfect innings in relief of Kenta Maeda in a 10-6 home victory. This debut marked the culmination of his five-year journey through the minor leagues.
Funderburk started the 2024 season on the Opening Day roster before getting optioned multiple times throughout the year. In 26 appearances for Minnesota, he logged a 5.61 earned run average with 31 strikeouts over 33 and two-thirds innings pitched. On July 21, 2024, the Twins placed Funderburk on the 15-day injured list with a left oblique strain, and he was later moved to the 60-day injured list on September 5. He was activated from the injured list on September 27, 2024, to conclude the season. He was optioned to Triple-A St. Paul to begin the 2025 season.
Driving Style and Strengths
Funderburk has developed into a versatile relief pitcher capable of providing multiple innings out of the bullpen. His ability to pitch effectively in various situations has made him a valuable asset for the Twins. He has shown the capacity to work in different leverage situations and has demonstrated the endurance to cover multiple innings when needed.
Notable Events and Milestones
Funderburk made his major league debut on August 28, 2023, and earned his first career win that same day, pitching two perfect innings against the Cleveland Guardians. He also earned a spot on the Minnesota Twins Opening Day roster to begin the 2024 season, representing a significant milestone in his career.
Kody Funderburk Career Wins
Across his professional career spanning five minor league seasons and parts of three major league seasons through late June 2026, Funderburk has established himself as a capable major league pitcher with an 8-2 record in the majors.
Major League Highlights
Through June 26, 2026, Funderburk has compiled an 8-2 win-loss record with a 4.21 earned run average and 102 strikeouts across his time with the Minnesota Twins. His most impressive minor league season came in 2022 with Double-A Wichita, where he went 10-5 with a 2.94 earned run average and 103 strikeouts in 107 innings. In 2021, he posted a combined 2.55 earned run average between two affiliates while recording 4 saves. His debut season in the majors in 2023 resulted in his first career win on August 28 of that year.
Other Wins and Performances
Funderburk has accumulated wins at multiple minor league levels throughout his career, including stops with Cedar Rapids, Fort Myers, and Wichita. His 2022 season with Wichita represented his most productive minor league campaign, as he logged double-digit wins for the first time in his professional career.
| Competition Level | Wins | Losses | ERA | Strikeouts |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| MLB (2023-2026) | 8 | 2 | 4.21 | 102 |
2025 Season Performance
Funderburk began the 2025 season with the Triple-A St. Paul Saints after being optioned by the Minnesota Twins during spring training. This assignment represented a chance for him to refine his stuff and work his way back to the major league roster. The Twins organization has continued to monitor his progress throughout the minor league season. His trajectory suggests he has the tools to contribute at the major league level, and his versatility as a multi-inning reliever provides value to the Twins bullpen. A strong showing with St. Paul could position him for another opportunity with Minnesota as the season progresses.