The Minnesota Twins have claimed right-handed pitcher Brooks Kriske off waivers from the Chicago Cubs, continuing their recent trend of adding experienced bullpen depth as the team reshapes its roster following the trade deadline. Earlier this week, the team claimed Thomas Hatch from the Royals as the team tries to replenish the five bullpen arms that were traded away.  

Kriske, 31, was designated for assignment by the Cubs over the weekend despite posting a solid line in his brief stint with the club. He appeared in four games this season, tossing six scoreless innings out of the bullpen while allowing just two hits and striking out four. Command remains a concern, as evidenced by five walks in that span, but the Twins are clearly intrigued by his ability to miss bats and navigate tough spots.

At Triple-A, he had very good numbers this season. In 23 appearances (31 2/3 innings), he posted a 3.13 ERA with a 1.07 WHIP. More remarkably, he had a 39.4 K% with a 7.6 BB% that was significantly improved compared to his recent seasons, where his BB% averaged above 14%. The Twins have space in the bullpen to take some flyers over the last month, and those minor league totals are tough to ignore. 

During his time with the Cubs in 2025, Kriske leaned heavily on two primary offerings: the split-finger fastball, which accounted for roughly 57% of his pitches, and a four-seam fastball, making up about 36%, with occasional cutters sprinkled in (6%). His split finger averages 82.2 mph, and batters have yet to register a hit against it this season. Overall, the split-finger finder served as his go‑to swing‑and‑miss weapon (30.4 Whiff%) with fastball usage supplementing for establishment and velocity contrast. Still, command has been a concern given his walk rates during these outings.

Originally a sixth-round pick by the Yankees in 2016, Kriske has seen time with four big league clubs: the Yankees, Orioles, Royals, and, most recently, the Cubs. His overall MLB numbers are underwhelming with an 8.78 ERA and a 1.70 WHIP across 27 2/3 innings. It’s important to add in the caveat about a small sample size, and there are flashes of potential beneath the surface.

In 2022 and 2023, Kriske spent parts of two seasons overseas pitching in Japan’s NPB, where he showed improved command and struck out nearly 13 batters per nine innings. The Twins are likely hoping that some of that success translates back to MLB, especially with an expanded role in a bullpen that will need competent veteran pitching. Kriske has a chance to carve out a role beyond this season if he performs well.

To make room for Kriske on the 40-man roster, the Twins have designated Darren McCaughan for release or assignment. McCaughan had just been added to the roster on Monday and did not appear in a game before being bumped. It’s a tough break for the right-hander, but roster flexibility is at a premium right now.

Kriske will be active for Wednesday afternoon’s series finale in Detroit against the Tigers, giving manager Rocco Baldelli another option out of the bullpen as the Twins navigate the final two months of the season.

What’s Next?
With a restructured roster and a focus on evaluating depth options, expect the Twins to continue testing out fringe arms over the next few weeks. Kriske might not be a long-term answer, but his recent effectiveness gives him a shot to carve out a role, especially if he can throw strikes consistently.

What stands out about Kriske’s career so far? Can he replicate his minor league numbers? Leave a comment and start the discussion.