The Oakland Athletics signed left-handed pitcher to a minor league contract last week, as noted in his MLB.com transaction log. The 30-year-old became a free agent earlier this month.
His journey began 11 years ago when the Marlins selected him out of high school in the 2013 draft’s Competitive Balance Round A. Although he intended to sign, a left shoulder injury discovered during his physical prevented an agreement on a signing bonus. His challenges continued when an elbow injury cut short his freshman season at the University of Oregon, leading to Tommy John surgery that spring.
The Giants drafted Him in the fourth round in 2016, where he signed and began his professional career. After two seasons in San Francisco’s farm system, he was traded to the Rays as part of the deal for Evan Longoria. Three years later, the Yankees selected Him in the minor league phase of the Rule 5 draft and eventually added him to their 40-man roster to retain him.
In 2023, the Yankees converted Him into a full-time reliever, marking his MLB debut that same season. Across four brief appearances, he struggled, allowing 11 earned runs over four innings with six walks and three strikeouts. Control issues, long a challenge for Him, contributed to his struggles, despite impressive minor league numbers that season (1.32 ERA, 2.81 FIP in 34 innings). New York designated him for assignment during the offseason.
The Orioles acquired Krook via a cash transaction, and he pitched effectively for their Triple-A affiliate in 2024 (3.92 ERA, 4.49 FIP in 43 2/3 innings). However, he only appeared in one major league game, allowing three runs (two earned) on a home run by Rangers rookie Wyatt Langford. Despite technically lowering his career ERA from 24.75 to 23.40, it wasn’t the redemption he hoped for. Baltimore designated him for assignment at the trade deadline, later outrighting him to Triple-A.
Now with the Athletics, Krook will aim for a fresh opportunity in 2025. Given Oakland’s lack of depth in the bullpen beyond closer Mason Miller, he has a realistic chance to earn playing time if he performs well. His minor league deal likely includes a spring training invitation, offering him the first opportunity to impress his new team.
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