Rise to Success: Career Highlights of Triston McKenzie

From career breakthroughs to professional milestones, explore how Triston McKenzie made an impact.

Triston McKenzie is a professional baseball pitcher currently playing for the Cleveland Guardians in MLB. He was drafted by the Cleveland Indians in 2015 as the 42nd overall pick and made his debut in the major leagues in 2020. He is a right-handed pitcher known for his fastball and curveball, and he has quickly become a key member of the Guardians' pitching rotation. McKenzie's early career showed promise with his strikeout ability, making him a prospect to watch in the league.

Sections (2)

Full Timeline Career & Achievements

2015: First Professional Season

In 2015, Triston McKenzie played his first professional season with the Arizona League Indians, posting a 0.75 ERA in 12 innings.

2015: Drafted by Cleveland Indians

In 2015, Triston McKenzie was drafted by the Cleveland Indians with the 42nd overall selection of the Major League Baseball draft.

2016: Promotion to Lake County Captains

In 2016, Triston McKenzie started the season with the Mahoning Valley Scrappers and was later promoted to the Lake County Captains, achieving a combined 1.62 ERA with 104 strikeouts.

2017: Lynchburg Hillcats and All-Star Futures Game

In 2017, Triston McKenzie played for the Lynchburg Hillcats, achieving a 12–6 record with a 3.46 ERA, and also participated in the All-Star Futures Game.

2018: Akron RubberDucks Season

In 2018, Triston McKenzie spent the season with the Akron RubberDucks, achieving a 7–4 record with a 2.68 ERA.

2019: Injuries and 40-Man Roster Addition

In 2019, Triston McKenzie missed the season due to lat and pectoral muscle strains but was added to the Indians 40-man roster following the season.

August 22, 2020: Major League Debut

On August 22, 2020, Triston McKenzie made his major league debut against the Detroit Tigers, striking out ten batters in six innings, achieving the second-most strikeouts by an Indians pitcher in their first major league start. During the 2020 season with the Cleveland Indians, he appeared in 8 games, achieving a 2–1 record with a 3.24 ERA and 42 strikeouts.

2020: MLB Debut

In 2020, Triston McKenzie made his Major League Baseball (MLB) debut.

May 22, 2021: Optioned to Triple-A Columbus Clippers

On May 22, 2021, Triston McKenzie was optioned to the Triple-A Columbus Clippers after achieving a 1–3 record, a 6.89 ERA, and 30 walks over 31+1⁄3 innings.

2022: Breakout Season

Prior to the 2022 season, Marcus Stroman publicly promised on Twitter that he would buy McKenzie a Rolex watch if he pitched more than 160 innings that season and finished with an ERA below 3.70. McKenzie finished the year with an 11–11 record and 2.96 ERA in 191.1 innings. It was described in The Athletic as a "breakout season." McKenzie called it "refreshing."