Triston McKenzie, who once looked like Guardians' next pitching star, designated for assignment

Pitcher Triston McKenzie, who once looked like a rising star that potentially join other Cleveland Guardians Cy Young Award winners including CC Sabathia, Cliff Lee, Corey Kluber and Shane Bieber, was designated for assignment by the team on Monday. 

McKenzie, 27, allowed seven runs, seven hits and seven walks in 5 2/3 innings this season, resulting in an 11.12 ERA. 

"It was a difficult decision. It wasn't easy," Guardians manager Stephen Vogt told reporters, via MLB.com. "Obviously, with Triston, we wish him well. Whether he gets claimed or goes elsewhere or he stays with us, we're going to continue to support him and root for him along the way."

The Guardians have seven days to trade McKenzie or place him on waivers. If he clears waivers, which seems likely with him carrying a $1.95 million salary, McKenzie could return to the Cleveland organization and report to the minors or opt to become a free agent. 

McKenzie was the Guardians' first-round pick in 2015 out of Royal Palm Beach Community High School in Florida. After four years in the minors (he missed the 2019 season due to lat and pectoral muscle strains) totaling a 3.51 ERA and 10 1/2 strikeouts per nine innings, he debuted with Cleveland in 2020. In his first major league start, he racked up 10 strikeouts in five innings versus the Detroit Tigers.

Two seasons later, McKenzie put together what was viewed as a breakout season. He made 30 starts and compiled a 2.96 ERA with 190 strikeouts in 191 1/3 innings, finishing with an 11-11 record. On Aug. 19, 2022, McKenzie notched a career-high 14 strikeouts against the Chicago White Sox. In the postseason, he made two starts with a 3.27 ERA and 13 strikeouts in 11 innings. 

However, McKenzie began the 2023 season on the injured list with a strained shoulder. After returning, he developed a sprain in his ulnar collateral ligament and went back to the IL. He made four starts, collecting a 5.06 ERA. 

Last season, McKenzie started 16 games with a 5.11 ERA and 8.8 strikeouts per nine innings as the Guardians went on to win the American League Central. Cleveland advanced to the ALCS, but he wasn't on the postseason roster. 

McKenzie began the 2025 season in Cleveland's bullpen after not winning a rotation spot during spring training. But his inability to throw strikes made it difficult for Vogt to find opportunities to pitch him. 

"It was really difficult to find innings for Triston,” Vogt added. “And that’s really what led to the decision. With the way our bullpen’s throwing the ball, it was tough."

Cleveland's relievers have a collective 3.48 ERA, seventh in the AL, with 86 strikeouts and 27 walks in 75 innings.