Overview
- McKenzie joins a new organization for the first time after six major league seasons with Cleveland, where he posted a 4.07 ERA over 442 innings.
- He reunites in San Diego with pitching coach Ruben Niebla, who worked with him during his ascent in the Guardians’ system.
- His peak came in 2022, when he logged 191 1/3 innings with a 2.96 ERA and 190 strikeouts before shoulder and elbow injuries in 2023 derailed his progress.
- Post-injury, his fastball dipped to about 91 mph and command slipped, leading to a 5.11 ERA in 16 starts in 2024 and an 11.12 ERA over four outings in 2025 before a DFA and Triple-A stint.
- The minors deal offers low-cost upside as he competes in spring training for a role that could provide rotation or bullpen depth.