Guardians Take Bold Step: Triston McKenzie Assigned, What’s Next for the Talented Pitcher?

The Cleveland Guardians recently made a significant roster move by designating right-hander Triston McKenzie for assignment. In his place, they have called up Zak Kent from Triple-A Columbus. This decision highlights McKenzie’s struggles since his promising 2022 season, where he became a standout pitcher for the Guardians.

McKenzie, who was once seen as a vital part of Cleveland’s pitching rotation, faced a tough 2023. He dealt with a UCL injury that sidelined him for much of the season but didn’t require surgery. After returning, he struggled to find his rhythm, which contributed to his current situation without options to go back to the minors.

In 2022, McKenzie impressed with a 2.96 ERA over 191 innings. He struck out 25.6% of opposing batters and maintained a low walk rate of 5.9%. Many believed he was on track to be a cornerstone for the Guardians’ pitching staff. Unfortunately, the injury affected his performance significantly. In 2024, he saw his fastball velocity drop to an average of 91.1 mph, leading to a rough season with a higher walk rate and more home runs allowed.

Now, the Guardians have shifted their focus, signing Luis Ortiz and re-signing Shane Bieber while McKenzie opens the 2025 season in the bullpen. Despite an uptick in his fastball speed to 93.7 mph this year, he has struggled. In just 5 2/3 innings, he gave up seven runs and walked seven batters, showing that command remains an issue.

Any team looking to take a chance on McKenzie will need to consider him a reclamation project. With just a few appearances under his belt this season, he isn’t currently stretched out for a starting role. A trade or claiming him off waivers could offer a fresh start, but adjusting to a new team while dealing with past struggles presents a challenge.

His time with the Guardians could end soon; the team has five days to trade him or place him on waivers, with a decent salary of $1.95 million for the season. If another team claims him, they would take on about $1.69 million of that contract.

As for Zak Kent, he is back and ready for his MLB debut after an elbow strain sidelined him for much of last season. Kent was originally acquired from the Rangers and has been impressive in Triple-A, boasting a 4.00 ERA over his career there, despite last year’s injury affecting his stats. The Guardians are hopeful he can add depth to their pitching lineup.

McKenzie’s journey is a reminder that injuries can change the trajectory of a player’s career, and the road to recovery in professional sports is never straightforward. As he looks for a new opportunity, it’s clear that both he and the Guardians are at a turning point, each with hopes for a brighter future.

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