Triston Andrew McKenzie is an American professional baseball pitcher who currently plays in the San Diego Padres organization. He has previously played in Major League Baseball for the Cleveland Guardians. McKenzie was born on August 2, 1997, in Royal Palm Beach, Florida, and was drafted by the Cleveland Indians with the 42nd overall selection in the 2015 MLB draft. He made his MLB debut in 2020 and has built a reputation as a strikeout artist with a lanky frame that makes him stand out on the mound. His 2022 season was widely regarded as a breakout campaign, and he continues to pursue excellence at the highest level of professional baseball.
Triston Andrew McKenzie Bio
McKenzie grew up in Royal Palm Beach, Florida, where he developed his passion for baseball at a young age. He attended Royal Palm Beach High School, where he quickly established himself as a talented pitcher. During his senior year in 2015, McKenzie posted impressive numbers, going 9-5 with a 0.79 earned run average. His standout performance caught the attention of major league scouts and set the stage for his professional career. Rather than pursuing college baseball at Vanderbilt University, where he had committed to play, McKenzie chose to begin his professional journey after being selected in the MLB draft.
Early Life and Background
Born and raised in Royal Palm Beach, Florida, McKenzie comes from a family with athletic ties. He is of Jamaican descent through his father, which connects him to a rich sporting heritage. His younger brother, T.J., was drafted by the St. Louis Cardinals in the 39th round of the 2019 MLB draft but ultimately chose to continue his baseball career at Vanderbilt University. This family background in baseball likely contributed to McKenzie’s development as a pitcher and his understanding of the dedication required to succeed at the highest levels of the sport.
Path to Professional Baseball
McKenzie’s path to professional baseball began with his exceptional high school career at Royal Palm Beach High School. His 9-5 record with a sub-one ERA during his senior year demonstrated his dominance on the mound. Major League teams took notice, and the Cleveland Indians selected him with the 42nd overall pick in the 2015 MLB draft. He signed with Cleveland for $2.3 million, forgoing his commitment to play at Vanderbilt University, a program known for producing elite baseball talent.
Triston Andrew McKenzie Career
Minor League Development (2015–2019)
McKenzie began his professional career in 2015 with the Arizona League Indians, a rookie winter league team, where he posted a remarkable 0.75 ERA in 12 innings pitched. The following year, he started with the Mahoning Valley Scrappers before earning a promotion to the Lake County Captains. Between both teams in 2016, he combined for a 1.62 ERA with 104 strikeouts in 83 and one-third innings pitched, showcasing his ability to dominate hitters at lower levels of the minor leagues.
In 2017, McKenzie played for the Single-A Lynchburg Hillcats, where he went 12-6 with a 3.46 ERA in 25 games started. His performance earned him recognition as he was selected to play in the All-Star Futures Game that same year. The 2018 season saw McKenzie advance to Double-A with the Akron RubberDucks, where he posted a 7-4 record with a 2.68 ERA over 90 and two-thirds innings. MLB Pipeline ranked him as Cleveland’s top prospect entering the 2019 season. Unfortunately, McKenzie missed the entire 2019 season due to lat and pectoral muscle strains, but he was added to the Indians 40-man roster following the season, signaling the organization’s belief in his future potential.
Cleveland Guardians Breakthrough (2020–2022)
McKenzie made his major league debut on August 22, 2020, against the Detroit Tigers. In that debut performance, he struck out 10 batters in six innings, marking the second most strikeouts by an Indians pitcher in their first major league start. Overall, he appeared in eight games with Cleveland that season, compiling a 2-1 record with a 3.24 ERA and 42 strikeouts in 33 and one-third innings pitched. He also pitched in relief during the AL Wild Card Series against the New York Yankees, though the Indians were eliminated in that game.
The 2021 season saw McKenzie establish himself in Cleveland’s starting rotation. After some early struggles that led to an option to Triple-A Columbus, he returned and set the Indians franchise record for most consecutive strikeouts by punching out eight Chicago White Sox hitters in a row on May 31. He continued to show flashes of his potential throughout the season, including a seven-shutout-inning performance against the Kansas City Royals in July, where he allowed just one hit and one walk while striking out nine batters.
The 2022 season represented McKenzie’s breakout year. Before the season began, Marcus Stroman publicly promised on Twitter to buy McKenzie a Rolex watch if he pitched more than 160 innings and finished with an ERA below 3.70. McKenzie fulfilled that challenge by recording an 11-11 mark with a 2.96 ERA in 191 and one-third innings pitched. The Athletic described the season as a “breakout,” and McKenzie himself called it “refreshing.” He was named the Guardians’ nominee for the Roberto Clemente Award in September 2022, recognizing his character and community service. In the postseason, McKenzie pitched six shutout innings in the AL Wild Card Series victory over the Tampa Bay Rays, helping the Guardians advance. He also contributed in the AL Division Series against the Yankees, though the Guardians ultimately lost the series in five games. After the season, Marcus Stroman followed through on his promise and purchased McKenzie the promised Rolex watch.
Injury-Plagued Seasons (2023–2024)
McKenzie’s next two seasons were significantly disrupted by injuries. He began the 2023 season on the 60-day injured list with a right teres major muscle strain and did not make his season debut until June 4. After just two starts, he was scratched from a scheduled outing against the Arizona Diamondbacks due to right elbow discomfort. An MRI revealed a sprain in his ulnar collateral ligament, an injury that typically requires Tommy John surgery. However, McKenzie opted for a conservative approach rather than undergoing the invasive procedure. He was activated from the injured list on September 24 and made one final start that season, taking the loss against the Baltimore Orioles while walking six batters. For the year, he finished 0-3 with a 5.06 ERA.
The 2024 season brought continued struggles. McKenzie made 16 MLB starts for Cleveland, posting a 3-5 record with a 5.11 ERA and 74 strikeouts across 75 and two-thirds innings. He was optioned to Cleveland’s minor league affiliate on June 30, 2024, having led the American League in walks and home runs allowed at that point in the season. The decision to avoid Tommy John surgery the previous year was questioned by analysts who noted his inconsistent results on the mound.
Transition and New Beginning (2025)
The 2025 season began with McKenzie in a new role as a member of the Guardians’ bullpen rather than the starting rotation. He made four relief appearances, struggling to an 11.12 ERA with four strikeouts across 5 and two-thirds innings. On April 21, 2025, McKenzie was designated for assignment by Cleveland. He cleared waivers and was sent outright to Triple-A Columbus on April 28. McKenzie elected free agency on September 29, 2025, ending his tenure with the organization that had drafted and developed him. On December 18, 2025, he signed a minor league contract with the San Diego Padres, providing him with an opportunity for a fresh start with a new organization.
Physical Profile and Pitching Style
McKenzie is known for his very slim frame, standing 6 feet 5 inches tall and weighing approximately 165 pounds. His lanky build is uncommon among professional pitchers and makes him distinctive on the mound. Despite his slender frame, he has shown the ability to generate impressive velocity and movement on his pitches. His strikeout numbers throughout his career demonstrate his ability to miss bats and dominate opposing hitters when he is command of his stuff.
Notable Career Milestones
Several moments stand out in McKenzie’s career. His 10-strikeout debut in 2020 remains one of the most impressive debut performances in Indians history. The 2022 season as a whole represented his career highlight, with the 11-11 record and 2.96 ERA establishing him as a reliable major league starter. His playoff performance that year, including six shutout innings against the Tampa Bay Rays in the Wild Card Series, showed his ability to rise to the occasion in high-pressure situations. The franchise record for eight consecutive strikeouts set in 2021 further demonstrates his dominance when he is at his best.
Triston Andrew McKenzie Career Statistics
Through the 2025 season, McKenzie has compiled a career record of 21 wins and 29 losses with a 4.07 earned run average and 462 strikeouts across his MLB career. His most productive season came in 2022, when he went 11-11 with a 2.96 ERA in 191 and one-third innings pitched. He has shown the ability to miss bats throughout his career, averaging approximately 9 strikeouts per nine innings pitched at the major league level.
Career Highlights
McKenzie’s most notable season remains 2022, when he recorded double-digit wins for the only time in his career while posting his lowest ERA. His 2020 debut showcased his potential with 10 strikeouts in his first major league start. The eight consecutive strikeouts franchise record he set in 2021 highlights his ability to dominate hitters in succession. His playoff performance in 2022, particularly the Wild Card Series shutout against Tampa Bay, demonstrated his ability to perform in pressure situations.
Minor League Achievements
Before reaching the majors, McKenzie demonstrated his talent throughout Cleveland’s minor league system. His 2016 season combined between Mahoning Valley and Lake County saw him post a 1.62 ERA with 104 strikeouts in 83 and one-third innings. His 2017 campaign with Lynchburg resulted in a 12-6 record, and his selection to the All-Star Futures Game underscored his status as one of baseball’s top prospects. MLB Pipeline’s ranking of him as Cleveland’s number one prospect entering 2019 further validated his standing as an elite minor league pitcher.
Triston Andrew McKenzie Family
Family Background and Baseball Lineage
McKenzie comes from a family with strong athletic connections. He is of Jamaican descent through his father, connecting him to a heritage that has produced many accomplished athletes. His younger brother, T.J., also pursued baseball at a high level, being drafted by the St. Louis Cardinals in the 39th round of the 2019 MLB draft. However, T.J. chose to attend Vanderbilt University to continue his baseball career rather than begin professional play immediately, following a path similar to the one Triston bypassed when he chose to sign with Cleveland after being drafted in 2015.
Personal Life
Despite his professional success, McKenzie has maintained relatively private personal details away from baseball. His decision-making has sometimes prioritized his long-term health and career trajectory, as evidenced by his choice to avoid Tommy John surgery following his 2023 UCL injury. His relationship with Marcus Stroman, including the playful Rolex promise and its fulfillment after the 2022 season, revealed a lighter side of McKenzie’s personality and his connections within the baseball community.
2025 Season Performance
The 2025 season marked a challenging chapter in McKenzie’s career. His transition from the starting rotation to a bullpen role reflected his struggles to maintain consistency at the major league level. His 11.12 ERA in four relief appearances before being designated for assignment on April 21 underscored the difficulties he faced. The decision to move him to the bullpen represented a significant role change for a pitcher who had primarily started throughout his career.
After clearing waivers and being outrighted to Columbus, McKenzie spent the remainder of the season in the minor leagues before electing free agency in September. His tenure with the Cleveland organization ended after five seasons that included highs like his 2022 breakout and lows including multiple injury-plagued years. The signing with the San Diego Padres on December 18, 2025, represents a new beginning. The minor league contract offers McKenzie an opportunity to rebuild his value and earn a return to the major leagues with a new organization that will provide a fresh start and new opportunities for career resurgence.