Franklin Regional grad Michael Krauza joins New York Mets organization

The New York Mets now own the contract of pitcher Michael Krauza, and, if all goes according to his plan, he will be climbing the minor-league ranks.

This could be the big break the hard-throwing right-hander has been looking for.

Krauza, a Franklin Regional graduate, will leave the Cleburne (Texas) Railroaders of the American Association of Pro Baseball and join the Mets, likely with their High-A team, the Brooklyn Cyclones, pending a physical.

????Breaking news! This is what it’s all about. Nobody more deserving. Mike Krauza is going to get the opportunity he has been working so hard for. Krauza is now a member of the @MLB @Mets
We are #lakerpoud !#lakeshowpro #staff ☘️⚾️???????? https://t.co/5XhMgsi4FJ

— Mercyhurst Baseball (@HurstBaseball) June 23, 2022

Krauza has played for a number of teams since he graduated high school in 2015.

“I haven’t really thought too much about the journey, oddly enough,” Krauza said. “I was so blessed to be playing professionally in Cleburne and was just trying to be right where my feet were. I’m going to do my best to continue to do just that — live in the moment.”

In 15 games this season out of the bullpen, Krauza is 0-1 with a 2.00 ERA, 23 strikeouts and three walks in 18 innings.

The maturation of Krauza’s game owes a debt to adversity. He didn’t make rosters at Franklin Regional as an eighth- and ninth-grader and saw limited varsity time.

He went to Xavier to play club baseball “for fun,” but transferred to St. Bonaventure, where he injured his arm and saw the setback slow his progress.

After three years with the Division I Bonnies, be left for Division II Mercyhurst, where he regained his form and went on to become an All-American.

He was a 10-game winner in 2021 and led NCAA Division II in strikeout-to-walk ratio, tallying 71 strikeouts to four walks.

If nothing else, Krauza is persistent. He emailed Division I coaches looking for a place to play when St. Bonaventure turned a curious eye and gave him a chance.

“So many times this game has appeared to be done for me, and God continues to let me keep playing,” Krauza said “I’m not sure why just yet, and maybe I’ll never know, but I’m just going to be grateful for it all, even the ups and downs.”