Brewers Acquire Joel Kuhnel From A's

[markedman5]

Not exciting but looking for someone to pitch non mop up  innings never is.

 

[markedman5]

 

[Steve Drumwright]

 

The Milwaukee Brewers picked up some bullpen depth Saturday by trading for Athletics right-hander Joel Kuhnel in exchange for cash. Kuhnel was with the Brewers twice in 2024, but did not appear in a game.

To make room on the 40-man roster, right-handed starter Quinn Priester was transferred from the 15-day injured list to the 60-day IL. Priester, who has been on the IL since March 25, is currently on a rehab assignment in the Arizona Complex League.

The 31-year-old Kuhnel was designated for assignment by the A's on Friday. The Brewers open a three-game series against the A's in Las Vegas on Monday. A move regarding the Brewers' 26-man roster will need to be made as Kuhnel is out of minor-league options.

Kuhnel last pitched for the A's on Thursday, giving up four runs on five hits in two-thirds of an inning. For the season, Kuhnel has a 3.97 FIP (4.21 ERA) in 25 games and 25⅔ innings, with four saves and four holds. He has a terrific 5.6% walk rate but a below-average 13% strikeout rate. He had allowed seven runs in his last four outings.

Kuhnel spent 2025 in the minors with the New York Yankees and Philadelphia Phillies. He was with four organizations, including the Brewers, in 2024.

 

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[patrickgpe]

The Priester news is more significant that the trade. As i expected, it looks like 2026 may be done for him. 

[markedman5]

He may well be done but the 60 day move is just procedural to gain another 40 man spot without having to dfa somebody else. 
 

It’s not like the clock starts over for him.

[wiguy94]

1 hour ago, markedman5 said:

He may well be done but the 60 day move is just procedural to gain another 40 man spot without having to dfa somebody else. 
 

It’s not like the clock starts over for him.

Correct. He's already eligible to come off the 60 Day IL

[Cool Hand Lucroy]

I figured we'd do something like this just in the name of depth.

Easy call, especially since it only costs $$.

[markedman5]

 

[HarryDoyle]

 

[Thurston Fluff]

6 minutes ago, HarryDoyle said:

 

Does he really think there's a team out there who wants to sign a player with a career 5.25 ERA who's sporting a 6.94 ERA this season? On a team known for getting the most out of pitchers no less. I supposed it doesn't hurt to try but if his goal is to get back to a big league career it seems to me the best place for him would have been remaining in our system.  

[tmwiese55]

Generally true.  They also just might not be clicking together, although Murphy's defense of him the other day is probably an indicator that he's a good locker room guy and willing to do what is asked.  But he's probably hoping to get signed by an Angels type team and see if he can stick in the bigs.  If he can't find anything better he could always come back to us I think.   With all our injuries I'd assume we'd have preferred he hung around aaa, especially since Murphy seemed to vouch for him as a guy

[patrickgpe]

He was effective in April. He doesn't walk people. He doesn't strike out people. I do think that there is a chance that Hook can make an adjustment and get him squared away. But he was in the system twice in 2024 already.

[jay87shot]

Dude was throwing 99-100 when he average 94 early in the year. I am sure a bunch of that was Las Vegas and extra adrenaline facing the team that just let you go but dang. We have just found a Megill style addition if he can throw that hard.

[Jopal78]

On 6/6/2026 at 11:39 PM, markedman5 said:

He may well be done but the 60 day move is just procedural to gain another 40 man spot without having to dfa somebody else. 
 

It’s not like the clock starts over for him.

Every player would rather try to rehab an injury before having surgery. In Priester’s case if he ultimately cannot rehab this and has shoulder surgery he’s likely going to miss a big chunk of 2027 too. 

[Team Canada]

2 hours ago, jay87shot said:

Dude was throwing 99-100 when he average 94 early in the year. I am sure a bunch of that was Las Vegas and extra adrenaline facing the team that just let you go but dang. We have just found a Megill style addition if he can throw that hard.

Harrison's speed seemed reasonable, but they had Uribe at 100-101, so my guess is it's at least 2mph fast, if not 3.

[KCBrewerfan34]

I will be interested to see Kuhnel’s velo at non-altitude. 

[KCBrewerfan34]

Based on other contracts Made is probably already worth over $100 million, not sure the Brewers can go into that area, maybe they can or maybe they want to try and lock up Turang, Bill or Miz. 
 

I hope Arnold stays because he’s going to have make some extremely hard decisions over the next 2-3 years. 

[wiguy94]

1 hour ago, Team Canada said:

Harrison's speed seemed reasonable, but they had Uribe at 100-101, so my guess is it's at least 2mph fast, if not 3.

Statcast can have misreads at times but it's not like a stadium gun that can run fast/cold. Uribe absolutely has that velo in the tank.

[Team Canada]

1 hour ago, wiguy94 said:

Statcast can have misreads at times but it's not like a stadium gun that can run fast/cold. Uribe absolutely has that velo in the tank.

Oh I agree, I meant more maybe Harrison was a tick or two slower than usual.