The Cleveland Guardians have officially designated right-hander Triston McKenzie for assignment, per Tim Stebbins of MLB.com. It signals a potentially abrupt end to a once-promising chapter in the team’s rotation. While surprising to some, the move follows a string of struggles that made it increasingly difficult for the Guardians to keep him on the active roster. Once viewed as a future ace and top prospect, McKenzie now makes way for right-hander Zak Kent, who was recalled from Triple-A Columbus. His stock has fallen sharply over the past year as inconsistencies and injuries have derailed his trajectory.
The Guardians have DFA’d Triston McKenzie.
RHP Zak Kent selected from Triple-A Columbus.
— Tim Stebbins (@timstebbins.bsky.social) April 21, 2025 at 1:57 PM
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A Tough Decision for the Guardians
McKenzie made the Guardians’ Opening Day roster as a long reliever but struggled to find his footing. He gave up seven runs with a 4:7 strikeout-to-walk ratio over just 5 2/3 innings. Since the start of the 2023 season, the 27-year-old has posted a 5.46 ERA, a 21.2% strikeout rate, and a concerning 15.6% walk rate. He also missed a significant portion of 2023 with a UCL injury, though he avoided surgery.
Just a year prior, McKenzie appeared to be on the verge of stardom. In 2022, he delivered a breakout season with 191 1/3 innings of 2.96 ERA ball, striking out 25.6% of batters while walking just 5.9%. It was the kind of performance that fulfilled the promise he showed as one of baseball’s top 100 prospects.
However, elbow concerns lingered. In 2024, McKenzie made 16 starts but struggled mightily, finishing with a 5.11 ERA and surrendering 19 home runs in just 75 2/3 innings. Those struggles ultimately led to a demotion to Triple-A Columbus in late June, where he remained for the rest of the season.
Since debuting on August 22, 2020, McKenzie has made 88 appearances (80 starts) for Cleveland. While he still comes with team control through 2027, his lack of minor-league options could limit his appeal on waivers. The Guardians now have seven days to either trade McKenzie or place him on outright or unconditional release waivers.
Kent has allowed two runs on three hits and four walks with 10 strikeouts across 7 2/3 innings in relief appearances for Columbus this season.
Main Photo: © David Richard-Imagn Images
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