Intriguing Opportunity Has Developed For White Sox

Starting pitching depth has been an area of concern for the White Sox since the start of spring training. Those uncertainties have intensified over the past couple of months, as several pitchers throughout the organization have succumbed to Tommy John surgery. Martín Perez, the one veteran and projected innings eater in the rotation, is the latest victim of the injury bug. He was transferred to the 60-Day Injured List this morning with left elbow inflammation.

The White Sox very young starting rotation had its fair share of question marks from day one, and their struggles and potential inning limits have created a bigger need for an experienced pitcher. The team will need all the help they can get just to have enough pitchers to make it through the season. Enter right-handed pitcher Triston McKenzie, who was designated for assignment by the Guardians earlier today.

McKenzie's Strong Start

McKenzie, 27, has had an up-and-down career as a former first-round pick and top 100 prospect. His 2020 rookie season was impressive, as he pitched to a 3.24 ERA and 0.90 WHIP in eight games. After a slight step back in 2021, McKenzie rebounded with a career 2022 campaign. He made 30 starts, pitching to a 2.96 ERA, 0.95 WHIP, 8.9 K/9, and 3.4 fWAR over 191.1 innings in his age-24 season. McKenzie looked destined for a long and successful career in a Guardians organization known for maximizing the talent of pitchers.

Injury Issues

Like many other pitchers, injuries have derailed McKenzie from achieving his full potential. He sprained the UCL in his pitching elbow in 2023 and missed most of the season because of that injury. He elected not to have surgery to correct the issue, but has not recaptured his 2022 form since getting hurt. 

Since the start of the 2023 season, McKenzie has appeared in just 24 MLB games, pitching to a lofty 5.46 ERA and 1.61 WHIP over 97.1 innings. His ability to throw strikes consistently has also eroded over time. McKenzie has walked seven batters in 5.2 innings this season while striking out just four. The Guardians saw enough. Despite drafting him and putting a substantial investment of time and resources into him, the organization has opened the door for a parting of ways by designating him for assignment.

Logical Fit For White Sox

McKenzie could make sense for the White Sox despite his struggles and injury concerns in recent years. For one, the team needs more pitchers just to help them get through the season. McKenzie has pitched a full starter's workload in the past, and while he has been exclusively a reliever this season, he could be stretched out again as a starter. He has also been successful at the big league level, even though it was several years ago. 

While it is a red flag that the Guardians decided to part ways given their successful pitching infrastructure, perhaps a change of scenery could do McKenzie good. He is signed for just $1.95 million this season and has two years of control left beyond 2025. He represents a potential longer-term gamble for a White Sox team looking to rebuild its pitching staff from the ground up.

White Sox Need Pitching Depth

With a young starting rotation and pitcher injuries decimating their depth, the White Sox are in the precarious position of finding enough pitchers to eat innings without putting their young, healthy pitchers at risk by overworking them in a lost season. Triston McKenzie could help address the problem. Cleveland has seven days to trade him or place him on waivers. If he does make it to waivers, the White Sox have the first dibs because of their American League worst 5-17 record. Realistically, expecting McKenzie to return to his 2022 form seems far-fetched. However, he could still be of value to the White Sox.