Triston McKenzie DVOA, Advanced Stats, & Fantasy Rankings

Cleveland Guardians right-hander Triston McKenzie cleared waivers and accepted his outright assignment to Triple-A Columbus on Monday. With no other teams around MLB wanting to take a chance on McKenzie, the 27-year-old former 42nd overall pick in 2015 will likely head to Columbus' starting rotation in the minors. Cleveland designated the skinny right-hander for assignment after he allowed seven earned runs on seven hits (one homer) while walking seven and striking out four in 5 2/3 innings out of the bullpen. McKenzie had a 2.96 ERA and 0.95 WHIP with a career-high 190 strikeouts in 2022, but he hasn't been able to replicate that performance since. He had an ERA over 5.00 for the second straight season in 2024 and was sent down to the minors, where he continued to struggle. McKenzie will be looking to rediscover his 2022 form but will likely return to the bullpen if he makes it back to the bigs.

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.

Cleveland Guardians starting pitcher Triston McKenzie has been optioned to Triple-A on Sunday. This news shouldn't shock anyone considering how poorly McKenzie has pitched lately. McKenzie has allowed 12 earned runs and issued 11 walks over his last three starts. This season, McKenzie holds a 5.11 ERA through 16 starts with the Guardians. The potential is certainly there for McKenzie but he still needs to work through some mechanical issues in the minor leagues. In a corresponding move, right-hander Gavin Williams has been reinstated from the injured list.