In 1988, Kraemer started more than a few games in a season for the first time in his career. Pitching for the Pittsfield Cubs, Kraemer made 15 starts, going 5–5 with a 2.75 ERA and 47 strikeouts in 95 innings of work. He then pitched for the Iowa Cubs again, being used almost entirely as a reliever (he made only one start). In 20 games with them, he went 3–3 with a 4.50 ERA and 26 strikeouts in 26 innings of work. In total, Kraemer went 8–8 with a 3.12 ERA in 1988. He made 35 appearances, 16 of which were starts. In 121 innings, he struck out 73 batters and walked 60.