James Kaprielian (born October 31, 1994) is an American professional baseball pitcher who has played for the Oakland Athletics of Major League Baseball (MLB) since making his debut in 2020.
Early life and education
Kaprielian was born in Culver City, California, and attended St. John Bosco High School in Bellflower, California. He played high‑school baseball as a left‑handed pitcher and was rated as a top prospect for the 2012 MLB draft, though he chose to attend college instead of signing professionally.
College career
Kaprielian enrolled at the University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA), where he pitched for the UCLA Bruins baseball team from 2013 to 2015. He earned All‑Pac‑12 honors and was named a first‑team All‑American by the American Baseball Coaches Association in 2015. During his senior year, he posted a 2.54 ERA with 108 strikeouts in 78 innings pitched.
Professional career
Draft and minor leagues
The Oakland Athletics selected Kaprielian with the 16th overall pick in the first round of the 2015 MLB Draft. He signed with the Athletics and began his professional career in the minor leagues, advancing through the Class A, Class A‑Advanced, Double‑A, and Triple‑A levels between 2015 and 2019. His minor‑league performance demonstrated a fastball in the low‑90s mph range, complemented by a curveball, slider, and changeup.
Major league debut
Kaprielian made his MLB debut on June 19, 2020, against the Texas Rangers, becoming the first UCLA player to pitch for the Athletics. In his debut season, shortened by the COVID‑19 pandemic, he appeared in 8 games (5 starts), posting a 2.45 ERA with 31 strikeouts over 22 innings pitched.
Subsequent seasons
In 2021, Kaprielian earned a spot in the Athletics’ starting rotation, recording a 5–7 win–loss record with a 5.26 ERA across 27 starts. He missed the majority of the 2022 season due to a rotator‑cuff injury that required surgery, limiting him to limited appearances. He returned to the roster in 2023, contributing both as a starter and reliever while working to re‑establish his pre‑injury form.
Playing style
Kaprielian is a left‑handed pitcher known for his command and ability to generate ground balls. His pitch arsenal typically includes a four‑seam fastball (90–93 mph), a curveball (mid‑70s), a slider (mid‑80s), and a changeup (mid‑80s). He is noted for a smooth, repeatable delivery that facilitates control.
Personal life
Kaprielian is of Armenian descent; his family name reflects this heritage. He is married and has been involved in community outreach programs in the Oakland area, including youth baseball clinics.
References
- MLB.com player profile: James Kaprielian
- UCLA Bruins athletics archives
- Oakland Athletics press releases (2015–2023)
This entry reflects information available from verifiable public sources up to June 2026.
