With Justin Steele out for the season, the Chicago Cubs have a wide-open spot in their starting rotation.
While the team has called upon a temporary replacement from the bullpen in Colin Rea, the Cubs likely still will be shopping for another starter from now until the July 31 trade deadline, and an opportunity to claim one just popped up.
The Cleveland Guardians designated former 2015 first-round draft pick Triston McKenzie for assignment Monday, MLB.com’s Tim Stebbins reported. McKenzie pitched to a 11.12 ERA in just 5 2/3 innings of relief this season.
The move comes after McKenzie battled injuries that led to three separate IL stints since he made his MLB debut in 2020. After a sprained ulnar collateral ligament in 2023, McKenzie decided against having Tommy John surgery.
In his short stint this season, McKenzie’s fastball velocity was up to 93.7 miles per hour compared to 91.1 last season, per Fangraphs. However, McKenzie used his fastball over 80 percent of the time compared to 52 percent last season — which is concerning, as an MLB report found that attempts to throw at max-effort velocity among pitchers is driving an increase in injuries.
The 27-year-old right-hander hasn’t always struggled with command. McKenzie entered The Show with authority, striking out 10 Detroit Tigers and giving up only one earned run in six innings pitched in his debut in 2020. His most successful season came in 2022 as a member of the Guardians’ starting rotation, where he posted a 2.96 ERA in 191 1/3 innings pitched.
While McKenzie has upside, it’d be risky to take a chance on someone who is struggling with the effects of multiple injuries. Plus, the possibility of surgery continues to loom — so the Cubs likely will pass on the righty.
Cleveland now has one week to either trade McKenzie or place him on waivers. If a team claims him on outright waivers, it owes him the remaining money on his contract. He was set to make $1.95 million with the Guardians, and is under team control through the 2027 season.
