Triston McKenzie Aims for Revival with Padres After Reinventing Arsenal

Triston McKenzie knows the road back to the major leagues won’t be easy. After signing a minor league contract with the San Diego Padres in December, the veteran right-hander faces stiff competition, especially following the team’s recent signings of starting pitchers Walker Buehler, German Marquez, and Griffin Canning. Despite the crowded rotation, McKenzie enters spring training optimistic about his chances to reestablish himself in the big leagues.

Part of that optimism stems from a new pitch McKenzie has added to his repertoire. “I’ve been throwing a sinker,” he told 97.3 The Fan’s Sammy Levitt at the Padres’ facility in Peoria, Arizona. “I’ve thrown it in the lives and it’s been super effective for me, so just being able to kind of build on that and just keep moving forward from there.”

Selected 42nd overall in the 2015 MLB Draft by the Cleveland Guardians, McKenzie has had to navigate both injuries and inconsistency throughout his career. At his peak, the 6-foot-5 right-hander showcased elite potential, posting a 2.91 ERA with 190 strikeouts over 191 1/3 innings in 2022, reminding fans of the talent that made him a first-round pick.

However, the last three years have been difficult. McKenzie’s struggles culminated with Cleveland designating him for assignment last April following an 11.12 ERA in four relief outings. He finished the season in Triple-A Columbus and elected free agency, leaving him with the challenge of proving he still belongs in the majors.

1. Reinvention in Peoria

McKenzie’s path forward hinges on adaptation. With the Padres’ rotation crowded and high-profile acquisitions taking center stage, he has embraced the need to tweak his pitching approach. The addition of a sinker represents a significant adjustment, giving him a new weapon to complement his existing arsenal. Under the guidance of former Guardians assistant pitching coach Ruben Niebla, McKenzie has been refining the pitch to maximize its effectiveness. The collaboration is centered on turning the sinker into a pitch capable of inducing weak contact and swinging momentum in high-leverage situations. Spring training provides the ideal environment for experimentation and adjustment. McKenzie is using live batting practice sessions to test velocity, movement, and command, building confidence that this new approach can help him earn a spot in San Diego’s rotation or bullpen. This proactive mindset reflects both the urgency and determination McKenzie brings to camp. By demonstrating adaptability, he hopes to convince the Padres that he can contribute immediately despite a challenging track record over the past few seasons.

2. Career Context and Potential

McKenzie’s career began with significant promise. A highly regarded high school prospect, he climbed the ranks quickly, earning a first-round selection and a reputation as a potential frontline starter. His combination of height, fastball velocity, and strikeout potential made him a standout in the Guardians’ system. The 2022 season remains a benchmark for what he can achieve at his best. His strikeout rate, innings pitched, and ERA showed that he had the ability to dominate MLB lineups when health and mechanics aligned. For fans and evaluators, that season represents the blueprint for McKenzie’s potential return to form. Yet, injuries and inconsistent performances over the last three seasons have cast doubt on his future. His time in Cleveland exposed the fragility of a young pitcher’s career and underscored the need for reinvention. The sinker, along with mechanical tweaks, represents a concerted effort to address those struggles head-on. With the Padres, McKenzie has an opportunity to reset his career narrative. Success in Peoria could lead to a major-league return, providing the chance to showcase the form that once made him one of baseball’s most promising young arms.

3. Road to the Majors

Making the Padres’ roster will not be simple. The team’s recent signings of Buehler, Marquez, and Canning have created a competitive environment, leaving McKenzie to prove his worth against established veterans. Every bullpen session, live batting practice, and spring training start carries significant weight in evaluating his readiness. Beyond competition, McKenzie’s focus is on execution. Perfecting the sinker and integrating it effectively with his fastball and breaking pitches will be key to demonstrating he can succeed at the major-league level. His work with Niebla aims to ensure the pitch is more than just an experiment — it is a legitimate weapon for challenging opposing hitters. If McKenzie can harness the new pitch and regain consistency, he could become a valuable asset for the Padres, capable of slotting into the rotation or offering high-leverage bullpen innings. His willingness to adapt shows a determination to seize this opportunity despite the crowded field. Ultimately, the spring will determine whether McKenzie can translate potential into results. His talent, coupled with a reinvigorated approach and mentorship from Niebla, could allow him to reclaim the form that once made him one of baseball’s most intriguing young pitchers.