Triston McKenzie DVOA, Advanced Stats, & Fantasy Rankings

The Cleveland Guardians have designated right-handed pitcher Triston McKenzie for assignment. Through the early part of the campaign, the right-hander has logged a poor 11.12 ERA with a 1.47 WHIP across five 2/3 innings of work. McKenzie struggled in 2024 as well, logging 75 2/3 innings to the tune of a 5.11 ERA with a 1.56 WHIP. McKenzie enjoyed an impressive start to his career, holding a solid 3.68 ERA, 1.03 WHIP, and a 368:111 K:BB across 344 2/3 innings of work from 2020 through 2022. However, in 2023, the 27-year-old dealt with numerous arm injuries, which have clearly impacted his production since. Fantasy managers should expect McKenzie to report to Triple-A Columbus if he does not draw interest on waivers. In a corresponding move, the Guardians are promoting right-handed pitcher Zak Kent to the MLB roster.

Cleveland Guardians right-handed pitcher Triston McKenzie is slated to start the team's first spring training game on Saturday against the Cincinnati Reds. The 27-year-old was demoted to Triple-A last season and is currently fighting for one of the final spots in the starting rotation. Last season, McKenzie posted a career-worst 5.11 ERA and a 1.46 WHIP across 75 2/3 innings. He struck out 74 batters but showed weak command as he served up a hefty 14.4 percent walk rate. He was limited to just 16 innings in 2023 but was a promising starter during the 2022 season. In 2022, the right-hander posted a strong 2.96 ERA with a 0.95 WHIP in 191 1/3 innings. If McKenzie can return to form in the spring, he will likely have the edge in the final rotation spot over Jakob Junis and Joey Cantillo.

The Cleveland Guardians and pitcher Triston McKenzie avoided salary arbitration by agreeing to a $1.95 million deal for one year. McKenzie was the 42nd overall pick in the 2015 Draft, but after peaking with a 2.96 ERA, 0.95 WHIP, and a 19.7% K-BB% in 2022, the last two seasons have been marred by injury and underperformance, culminating with his demotion to the minors in late June. Things didn't go well there either, posting a 5.23 ERA, 1.63 WHIP, and a 9.7% K-BB% over 53 1/3 IP. The Guardians need rotation help though and McKenzie is still only 27 years old, so if he can return to some semblance of his former self, then he could help Cleveland and fantasy managers. Keep an eye on how his spring goes to see if he appears to be headed in the right direction.