In 2019, Triston McKenzie was the top prospect in the Cleveland Guardian’s system according to MLB Pipeline and the #41 prospect in all of baseball. Six years later, the 6 ‘5 right-handed pitcher is being designated for assignment by Cleveland just under a month into the season.

After finding his footing as a big leaguer in the shortened 2020 season and 2021, McKenzie broke out as a starter in 2022. He was ace level, posting a 2.96 ERA across 191.1 innings. His WHIP sat at 0.95 and he recorded a 127 ERA+, 27% above league average. The lanky right-hander also struck out 25% of batters while walking just under 6%. 

His three-pitch mix centered around a high-riding fastball that sat around 93 mph, a sharp slider, and a strong looping curveball proved effective against opposing batters. McKenzie’s high production was also aided by his long frame, as he garnered about seven feet of extension on his way down the mound. It made his low-90s fastball pop more, being a more dangerous weapon as he tunneled it with his breaking ball offerings.

McKenzie started just four games in 2023, as he sprained his right shoulder at the end of Spring Training. After making his first two starts in June, he ended up back on the shelf two weeks later with a right elbow sprain. McKenzie returned on September 4 to record two more starts as he finished the season with a 5.06 ERA in 16 innings. 

The righty’s struggles continued in 2024, as he had a 5.11 ERA in 16 starts, and the Guardians optioned him to Triple-A Columbus. McKenzie didn’t make it back to the bigs for the remainder of the year. 

 

 

Coming into 2025, McKenzie had to regain his role on the Cleveland pitching staff. He made the Opening Day roster as a long relief option out of the bullpen, but his challenges persisted. Through four appearances, McKenzie posted an alarming 11.12 ERA in 5.2 innings with seven walks and four strikeouts.

Injuries seem to have derailed McKenzie’s strong start to his career as his control and ability to miss bats haven’t been the same. But the talent is still there for the 27-year-old, and it will be interesting to see if he will accept another Triple-A assignment or be claimed by another team who is intrigued by McKenzie’s potential. It was not long ago where the right-hander was a frontline starter in a rotation, and he can certainly be that pitcher again.