Milwaukee Brewers Acquire Joel Kuhnel From Oakland Athletics to Bolster Bullpen

The Milwaukee Brewers have acquired right-handed reliever Joel Kuhnel from the Oakland Athletics on a cash consideration deal, adding veteran depth to a bullpen depleted by injuries. Kuhnel, 31, was designated for assignment by the A's following a deteriorating stretch through May that included a disastrous ninth-inning outing against the Chicago Cubs.

The Oakland Exit

Kuhnel arrived in Oakland on a minor league contract in December and made the major league roster after just two minor league appearances. He established himself early as one of manager Mark Kotsay's primary ninth-inning options, recording four saves across his first seven outings. However, his performance declined sharply through late May. The pivotal moment came against the Cubs, when Kuhnel was called upon to protect a three-run lead but surrendered four earned runs on five hits while registering only two outs. His ERA rose from 2.88 to 4.21 across the season, ultimately leading to his designation for assignment.

Milwaukee's Bullpen Crisis

The Brewers face a significant bullpen shortage. Angel Zerpa, acquired during the offseason, underwent Tommy John surgery and is unavailable. Left-hander DL Hall recently landed on the injured list with a pectoral injury. Veteran arms Jared Koenig and Rob Zastryzny have missed the majority of the season. To make roster space for Kuhnel, Milwaukee moved Quinn Priester to the 60-day injured list. Priester, dealing with thoracic outlet syndrome symptoms, has avoided surgery but requires extended rehabilitation, potentially another month, after posting 19 walks across 13 innings in seven minor league outings.

Kuhnel brings six seasons of major league experience across four organizations. His 2025 campaign took him through the minor league systems of the Yankees and Phillies before his minor league deal with Oakland led to his unexpected call-up. While the right-hander may not directly replace the specific roles vacated by the injured left-handers, he provides experienced innings in lower-leverage situations as Milwaukee navigates its bullpen rebuilding.