On June 27, 2021, Kranick was promoted to the major leagues to make his MLB debut as the starting pitcher versus the St. Louis Cardinals.[10] He threw five perfect innings, striking out three batters, before a rain delay occurred and he was removed.[11][12] He set the record for the most batters retired to begin a major league career with 15.[13] Over nine starts with the Pirates, Kranick went 2–3 with a 6.28 ERA and 32 strikeouts over 38+2⁄3 innings.[14]
Kranick opened the 2022 season with Indianapolis before he underwent Tommy John surgery in early June, forcing him out indefinitely.[15] He was activated from the injured list on September 1, 2023,[16] but did not appear in the majors for Pittsburgh. On January 5, 2024, Kranick was designated for assignment by the Pirates.[17]
New York Mets
On January 12, 2024, Kranick was claimed off waivers by the New York Mets.[18] After beginning the year on the injured list, he made 6 starts split between the Single–A St. Lucie Mets, Double–A Binghamton Rumble Ponies, and Triple–A Syracuse Mets, accumulating a 4.30 ERA with 13 strikeouts across 14+2⁄3 innings pitched. On May 6, Kranick was designated for assignment by the Mets.[19] He cleared waivers and was sent outright to Syracuse on May 11.[20] He had his contract selected back to the major league roster again on October 1.[21]
Kranick was named to the Mets' Opening Day roster for the 2025 season.[22] Kranick was optioned back to Triple-A Syracuse on June 3 before being called back to the active roster on June 13.[23] In 24 appearances for the Mets, he logged a 3-2 record and 3.65 ERA with 25 strikeouts over 37 innings of work. On July 18, it was announced that Kranick would require Tommy John surgery for the second time, ruling him out for the remainder of the year.[24] On August 3, it was revealed that Kranick had undergone a flexor tendon surgery instead of a Tommy John procedure.[25] On November 21, he was non-tendered by the Mets and became a free agent.[26]
Washington Nationals
On May 5, 2026, while continuing to rehab from flexor tendon surgery, Kranick signed a major league deal with the Washington Nationals which included a club option for the 2027 season.[27]
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