The San Diego Padres had a busy week leading up to the holidays. They signed Michael King and Korean star Sung-mun Song to three-year deals. But the Padres made a calculated move to add starting pitching depth by agreeing to a minor league contract with veteran Triston McKenzie.
McKenzie seeking to reclaim glory
He is 28 years old and seeking to rewrite the narrative of his career. Once regarded as one of baseball’s elite pitching prospects, McKenzie was expected to be a cornerstone of the Cleveland Guardians starting rotation. Unfortunately,
arm injuries have derailed his progression on the mound.
2022 was the best season for the former first-round pick. McKenzie posted an 11-11 record with a 2.92 ERA in 30 starts. His career hit a low-point last season when he surrendered seven runs over 5.2 innings pitched, resulting in an 11.12 ERA. It forced the Guardians to designate him for assignment.
After clearing waivers, McKenzie accepted an outright assignment to the club’s Triple-A affiliate, Columbus, for the remainder of the 2025 campaign. His struggles continued in the minors, as McKenzie recorded an 0-3 mark with a 7.17 ERA, thus ending his 10-year stay in the Guardians organization.
Observers believe McKenzie’s struggles began after being diagnosed with a sprained ulnar collateral ligament in his right elbow during the 2023 season. He elected a rest and rehab approach rather than undergoing Tommy John surgery. In McKenzie’s return, the velocity of his pitches was there, but there was no command or movement heading toward home plate.
Preller’s annual under-the-radar signing
Team President of Baseball Operations and General Manager A.J. Preller has prioritized financial flexibility with each player move this winter. The signing represents a low-risk option, as the right-hander will receive an invite to Spring Training with the Friars. Preller is hoping to add more starting pitching depth on the 40-man roster.
Preller is banking on a reunion with Padres pitching coach Ruben Niebla will improve McKenzie’s ability to throw more strikes. It provides a fresh start with a friendly voice, as they worked together when Niebla was a minor league pitching coordinator with the Guardians.
For most athletes, chasing the dream of playing in the majors is a gamble with no guarantee of a payoff. McKenzie was one of the promising arms in the majors, but injuries and poor performances have caused a setback in his career.
He is hoping to recapture his command and become a dependable fifth starter in the Friars rotation.
