What do the names Bob Feller, Gaylord Perry, Corey Kluber, Trevor Bauer, and Shane Bieber all have in common for Cleveland Indians fans?
These are all names of amazing starting pitchers that have donned a Tribe uniform.
That is one heck of a starting rotation to say the least!
One name that could be added to the list is Triston McKenzie, especially if he keeps developing the way the Indians hope.
Could McKenzie be the next great Indians ace pitcher?
True Sky-High Potential
Triston McKenzie, Filthy 85mph Slider. 😷 pic.twitter.com/KOK3arAlxy
— Rob Friedman (@PitchingNinja) September 13, 2020
McKenzie had a stellar debut in the shortened 2020 season for the Tribe as he posted a paltry 3.24 earned run average.
The young 23-year old achieved two wins and only one loss last year while striking out 42 hitters in just over 33 innings of work.
At 6-foot-5 and a long, lanky 165 pounds, McKenzie has plenty of room to fill out his physique.
This could add two to three miles per hour onto McKenzie’s already impressive 95 mph heater.
The Indians know that he is supremely talented as they made him a first-round draft choice back in 2015.
McKenzie had signed a baseball scholarship with Vanderbilt after high school but chose to turn pro instead of going the college route.
Although Vandy’s legendary head coach, Tim Corbin, was disappointed, no one could blame McKenzie for his decision as his signing bonus from the Indians was a whopping 2.3 million dollars.
McKenzie absolutely tore up the minor league circuit by posting a 26-16 overall record and a minuscule 2.68 earned run average.
What is also impressive about McKenzie is how mature his arsenal of pitches already is for such a young pitcher.
Most young pitchers rely only on their fastball, but McKenzie has two other viable weapons with his knee buckling curveball and solid changeup.
We also cannot forget about McKenzie’s mid 80s slider that can be devastating to hitters as well.
McKenzie is listed by Baseball America as their 26th best prospect in all of baseball and deservedly so.
Many scouts feel that McKenzie already thinks like a big league pitcher, which is a huge compliment to his mental toughness.
Scouts, coaches, and especially Tribe fans are excited to see what McKenzie can do over a full major league season.
What Could Prevent Him From Becoming an Ace?
Welcome sight to see for sure. #Indians RHP Triston McKenzie resuming a throwing off flat ground. McKenzie is currently rehabbing an upper back injury he suffered early in spring training. pic.twitter.com/U8GxBTjYCH
— Indians Prospective (@indiansPro) May 7, 2019
The only thing that scares some baseball purists about McKenzie is his small frame.
For whatever reason, most long and thin starting pitchers seem to be more injury prone.
Unfortunately, McKenzie has already had a few bouts on the disabled list with nagging back and forearm issues.
Hopefully some time in a big league weight room and a sound nutrition plan will prevent those injuries from reoccurring.
Yes, some folks will point to McKenzie’s tough playoff outing against the Yankees as cause for concern.
However, that type of performance is expected out of a young pitcher making his MLB playoff debut.
After all, the Yanks are perhaps the most offensive juggernaut in all of baseball.
Tribe fans hope that McKenzie will have a shot at revenge against the Yankees during the 2021 postseason.
Leave a Reply