The Cleveland Guardians expected much more from Triston McKenzie in the 2024 campaign.
If you think about it, a better performance from him could have taken the Guardians even further.
However, pitching with elbow ligament damage has affected his control and command to the point he wasn’t a viable option for most of the season and the playoffs.
His 2024 was quite forgettable, with a 5.11 ERA in 75.2 innings.
It’s nowhere near the level he showed in 2022, when he had a 2.96 ERA in 191.1 innings and became one of the top young starters in the American League.
The Guardians had to demote him to Triple-A, where he wasn’t much better.
The righty is determined to change his fate, though, and is already putting in some serious offseason work to get his career back on track.
“Cleveland #Guardians RHP Triston McKenzie putting in work out at @CresseySP back home in Florida,” Guardians Prospective wrote on his X account.
Cleveland #Guardians RHP Triston McKenzie putting in work out at @CresseySP back home in Florida. #ForTheLand pic.twitter.com/SFl1xhNseJ
— Guardians Prospective (@CleGuardPro) November 16, 2024
There is a very solid chance McKenzie’s UCL damage will eventually lead to elbow surgery.
He is trying to pitch through it, as several hurlers have done in the past.
He is giving it all he’s got in order to build his body and mind for a chance at redemption.
He is willing to accept the consequences of his decision.
In any case, 2025 will be a crucial and pivotal year for the young Guardians pitcher.
Either he gets his career back on track or he ends up realizing he needs Tommy John surgery.
You can’t say he doesn’t have a strong work ethic, though.
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