HOUSTON, TX – The Houston Astros have announced the acquisition of right-handed pitcher Declan Cronin off waivers from the Chicago White Sox, as confirmed by Astros General Manager Dana Brown. In a corresponding move, the team has designated right-handed pitcher Joel Kuhnel for assignment to make space for Cronin on the 40-man roster.
Cronin, 26, brings fresh talent to the Astros’ bullpen, having made his Major League debut with the White Sox last season. In his nine-game stint in the majors, he showcased his potential. At the Triple-A level with Charlotte, Cronin delivered a solid performance, recording a 3-0 record with two saves and a respectable 3.83 ERA in 47 relief appearances, spanning 51.2 innings pitched. Over his four-season minor league career, Cronin has achieved a 12-6 record with a 3.81 ERA and four saves in 151 appearances, including one start.
On the other hand, Joel Kuhnel, aged 28, part ways with the Astros after a brief tenure. Last season, Kuhnel posted a 4.66 ERA over 9.2 innings in seven relief appearances with Houston. Acquired from the Cincinnati Reds in June, he also featured in 17 games for Triple-A Sugar Land, where he had a 5.03 ERA over 19.2 innings, marking a challenging phase in his career.
The Astros’ roster remains at full capacity with this latest transaction. Cronin’s addition to the team indicates the Astros’ ongoing efforts to strengthen their pitching depth. His previous performances suggest he could be a valuable asset in Houston’s quest for bullpen stability and effectiveness.
Astros fans and team management alike will be keen to see how Cronin adapts to his new environment and whether he can translate his minor league success to Major League performance.
