Robert Harris Kaminsky (born September 2, 1994) is an American professional baseball pitcher in the Los Angeles Angels organization. He has previously played in Major League Baseball (MLB) for the St. Louis Cardinals.
In high school, Kaminsky was the Gatorade New Jersey Baseball Player of the Year in both 2012 and 2013, named to the 2012 USA Today All-USA Team, and a 2013 Baseball America Preseason First Team All-American. He was drafted by the Cardinals at the age of 18 in the first round of the 2013 Major League Baseball draft, 28th overall. He made his major league debut for the Cardinals in August 2020. Kaminsky pitched for Team Israel in the 2023 World Baseball Classic.
Early life Kaminsky was born in and grew up in Englewood Cliffs, New Jersey.Jeff Brewer (July 15, 2016). "RubberDucks left-hander Rob Kaminsky starting to live up to billing as top prospect," Beacon Journal. His parents are Donna Kaminsky, and Alan Kaminsky, a civil litigator for Lewis Brisbois Bisgaard & Smith in New York City.Wayne Coffey (April 20, 2013). "Echoes of Sandy Koufax: When Jersey phenom Robert Kaminsky pitches, it harkens back to his idol and fellow Jew - and a Brooklyn-born baseball icon," The New York Daily News."Kaminsky, Alan; Partner," Lewis Brisbois LLP. He has two older siblings, Joseph and Anna, and his grandfather is Bernard Kaminsky.Brian A. Giuffra (April 1, 2013). "The natural; Englewood Cliffs baseball player Rob Kaminsky showed talent at 3," Family. Kaminsky is Jewish, and his bar mitzvah was based on a baseball theme. His boyhood hero was left-handed pitcher Sandy Koufax, and he said Koufax "stood up for what he believed in" when Koufax decided not to pitch Game 1 of the 1965 World Series because it was on Yom Kippur.
He is nearly completely ambidextrous; Kaminsky writes, throws a football, and shoots a basketball right-handed, but throws a baseball left-handed."Rob Kaminsky; Top Rated Prospect" Draft 2013. In Little League, he sometimes threw left-handed and sometimes threw right-handed. He learned how to switch-hit when he was around 10 years old."Male Athlete of the Week: Rob Kaminsky of St. Joseph,", The Record.
Kaminsky attended Solomon Schechter Day School of Bergen County, a Jewish day school, through eighth grade.Berger, Eric. "Cardinals' Jewish left-hander Kaminsky hopes for a playoff role", St. Louis Jewish Light, August 27, 2020, updated February 11, 2021. Accessed March 8, 2021. "[Q] Tell me a little about where you’re from and your Jewish upbringing. [A] I grew up in Englewood Cliffs, N.J., and live in Englewood now. I moved a nice, five-minute drive from the parents, so that’s nice. I went to Solomon Schechter [Day School of Bergen County] pre-K through eighth grade and had a great, great time there."
High school Kaminsky attended Saint Joseph Regional High School in Montvale, New Jersey, graduating in 2013. Initially, he was a center fielder, and in 2011 he preferred playing the outfield.David Eminian (July 22, 2014). "Chiefs pitcher from Jersey turns in his pinstrips for Cardinals red," Journal Star. He was the Gatorade New Jersey Baseball Player of the Year, and the Star-Ledger New Jersey Player of the Year, in both 2012 and 2013.James Kratch (June 23, 2013). "Robert Kaminsky of St. Joseph (Mont.) is The Star-Ledger's baseball state Player of the Year for 2013," NJ.com. In his junior year in 2012 he was 8-2 with a 0.20 earned run average (ERA), struck out 103 batters and walked 20 in 53 innings, and pitched three no-hitters and three one-hitters. He was also named to the USA Today All-USA Team.James Kratch (May 28, 2013). "Baseball: Rob Kaminsky named Gatorade New Jersey Player of the Year," NJ.com.
In his senior year in 2013 Kaminsky was 10-0 with a 0.10 ERA, averaged two strikeouts per inning, gave up 14 walks as he struck out 126 in 64 innings, pitched three no-hitters and three one-hitters, while batting .506 with 3 home runs and 19 RBIs.Bob Behre (July 27, 2016). "Six Diamond Nation Players Among State's Top 25," Flemington/Raritan NJ News."Robert Kaminsky - Player Profile," Perfect Game USA. He was also a Baseball America Preseason First Team All-American and a Rawlings-Perfect Game First Team All-American. Seattle Mariners scout Frank Rendini said: "He has a major-league curveball right now.""New Jersey Baseball POY: Robert Kaminsky," USA Today, May 28, 2013.
While in high school, Kaminsky raised over $30,000 through his Strikeout Challenge charity for the pediatric cancer ward at Englewood Hospital, as he asked supporters to donate whatever amount they chose for each strikeout he recorded in his senior year.Greg Lerner (July 18, 2013). "Year in review: New Jersey baseball," News 12 Varsity.Bryan Horowitz (January 27, 2014). "Chasing lofty goals, Cardinals phenom Rob Kaminsky up to the task; Cardinals 2013 Draft pick eager to make splash in first spring camp," mlb.com.
Career St. Louis Cardinals Kaminsky was drafted by the St. Louis Cardinals at the age of 18 in the first round of the 2013 Major League Baseball draft, 28th overall, after Baseball America ranked him the # 21 prospect in the draft.Matt Bretz (March 16, 2017)."Cleveland Indians 2017 top prospects: No. 14, Rob Kaminsky," Fansided.Scott Barancik (June 7, 2013). "Cardinals pick Jewish high-school pitcher in first round," Jewish Baseball News. He became the 12th New Jersey player drafted in the first round directly out of high school since the initial Major League Baseball draft in 1965."Rob Kaminsky checks out his new baseball team," The Record. He signed for a signing bonus of $1.785 million, foregoing his scholarship to pitch and play center field for the University of North Carolina Tar Heels.Jim Callis (June 12, 2013) on Twitter: "#Cardinals, 1st-rder Rob Kaminsky agree on $1,785,300. New Jersey HS LHP has nifty curveball, can reach 94 w/FB. #mlbdraft"
In 2013 he made his professional debut for the Gulf Coast Cardinals in the Rookie Gulf Coast League."Rob Kaminsky Baseball Statistics [2013-17]", The Baseball Cube. Kaminsky appeared in eight games with five starts and had a 3.68 ERA and 28 strikeouts in 22 innings pitched. Baseball America ranked him the Gulf Coast League's No. 8 prospect in 2013."Rob Kaminsky Stats & Scouting Report," Baseball America. Kaminsky pitched in 2014 for the Peoria Chiefs of the Single–A Midwest LeagueDaniel Makarewicz (June 1, 2014). In 2014, he appeared in 18 games, all starts, going 8-2 with a 1.88 ERA (the best ERA in the league of all pitchers with 100 or more innings pitched), and a 1.013 WHIP (9th among Cardinals minor leaguers)."Midwest League (LoA) 2014," Baseball America. He was named a Baseball America Low–A All Star, and Scout named him the best left-handed starter in the Cardinals' minor league system.Sam Dykstra (July 30, 2015). "Indians acquire Kaminsky in Moss deal; Cardinals send No. 3 prospect to Cleveland in exchange for outfielder," MiLB.com.Brian Walton (January 7, 2017). "2017 TCN/Scout.com Cards All-Prospect Team; Our annual ranking of the best prospects in the St. Louis Cardinals minor league system by position including a top 50 depth chart," Scout.
Cleveland Indians On July 30, 2015, the Cardinals traded Kaminsky to the Cleveland Indians in exchange for outfielder/first baseman Brandon Moss. At the time, MLB.com ranked Kaminsky the No. 3 prospect in the St. Louis organization, and 88th overall, and Scout ranked him the best pitcher in the Cardinals' minor league system. Kaminsky finished 2015 with a 6-6 record and a 2.24 ERA.Jim Callis (July 30, 2015). "Rob Kaminsky deal a strong trade for Indians; Cleveland gets touted left-handed prospect in exchange for power bat," mlb.com.Matt R. Lyons (July 31, 2015). "Rob Kaminsky ranks as Cleveland Indians No. 3 prospect," Let's Go Tribe. He was ranked the No. 3 prospect, and top pitching prospect, in the Cleveland Indians organization."MLB.com 2015 Prospect Watch; Cleveland Indians," mlb.comJason Phillips (October 14, 2015). "Rob Kaminsky's strong season validates his role as the Cleveland Indians top pitching prospect," SB Nation.
Kaminsky spent the 2016 season with the Akron RubberDucks of the Double-A Eastern League, where he posted an 11-7 record and a 3.28 ERA."2016 Eastern League - Season Review,", The Baseball Cube. He was placed on the disabled list with left forearm soreness after one start for Akron in 2017, and did not pitch during the remainder of the season.Brian Hemminger (July 13, 2017). "Indians minor league midseason report; Which top prospects have overperformed and who has disappointed thus far in 2017?", letsgotribe.com. In 2018 Kaminsky pitched two scoreless innings for Lynchburg, and then pitched only 26.1 innings over 23 games out of the bullpen for Akron, going 1-1 with 4 saves and a 3.28 ERA."Rob Kaminsky Minor & Fall Leagues Statistics & History," Baseball-Reference.com.Mike Rosenbaum (October 26, 2018). "Indians Chu takes on AFL after Triple-A stop," MLB.com. Kaminsky then pitched for the Glendale Desert Dogs in the Arizona Fall League, was picked for the league's Fall Stars Game.Wayne Cavadi (November 3, 2018). "Blue Jays: Vladimir Guerrero, Jr. tops Fall Stars Game starting lineups," Minor League Ball. In 2019, he pitched for both Akron, for whom he was 2-1 with a 2.30 ERA in innings, and for the Triple-A Columbus Clippers, for whom Kaminsky was 1-0 with a 5.11 ERA in innings.
Kaminsky elected minor league free agency on November 4, 2019. The day he became a minor league free agent, the Cardinals made him an offer.
St. Louis Cardinals (second stint) On December 12, 2019, Kaminsky signed a minor league deal with the St. Louis Cardinals, and was invited to major league spring training as a non-roster player. In July 2020 he was added to the Cardinals' 60-player roster pool. On August 15, 2020, Kaminsky was promoted to the major leagues for the first time. He made his major league debut for the Cardinals on August 16. Kaminsky was designated for assignment by the Cardinals on September 16; he cleared waivers, remained in the organization, and was outrighted by the Cardinals to their alternate site.
Philadelphia Phillies On April 18, 2021, Kaminsky signed a minor league contract with the Philadelphia Phillies organization. In his lone appearance for the Triple-A Lehigh Valley IronPigs, Kaminsky struck out 2 over one scoreless inning. On August 5, Kaminsky was released by the Phillies organization.
Seattle Mariners On April 6, 2022, Kaminsky signed a minor league contract with the Seattle Mariners organization. Pitching for the Double-A Arkansas Travelers in 2022, he was 3-1 with one save, a 4.91 ERA, and 39 strikeouts across 39 relief appearances covering innings. Kaminsky elected free agency following the season on November 10.
On April 14, 2023, Kaminsky re-signed with the Mariners on a minor league contract. He split the year between the Triple-A Tacoma Rainiers, Arkansas, and rookie–level Arizona Complex League Mariners, for whom he was a combined 6-1 with a 5.13 ERA in 32 games (2 starts) in which he pitched innings. He elected free agency on November 6.
Staten Island FerryHawks On June 2, 2024, Kaminsky signed with the Staten Island FerryHawks of the Atlantic League of Professional Baseball. He made 2 starts for Staten Island, logging a 6.75 ERA with 5 strikeouts across innings pitched.
Seattle Mariners (second stint) On June 17, 2024, Kaminsky signed a minor league contract with the Seattle Mariners. In 15 appearances for the Triple-A Tacoma Rainiers, he struggled to a 7.66 ERA with 45 strikeouts across 47 innings pitched. Kaminsky elected free agency following the season on November 4.
St. Louis Cardinals (third stint)