Triston McKenzie was born on February 8, 1997 in Brooklyn, New York. He grew up surrounded by baseball, as his father was a former minor league pitcher. McKenzie quickly developed a passion for the sport and began playing at a young age.
McKenzie's talent on the mound caught the attention of scouts early on, and he was drafted by the Cleveland Indians in the second round of the 2015 MLB draft. He made his professional debut with Cleveland's rookie affiliate team, the AZL Indians, where he quickly established himself as a top prospect in the organization.
McKenzie's rise through the minor leagues was swift, and he made his major league debut on August 22, 2020 against the Detroit Tigers. In that game, he struck out ten batters, showcasing the electric stuff that would make him a key piece of Cleveland's pitching staff.
One of McKenzie's most memorable achievements came on May 31, 2021, when he set a franchise record for most consecutive strikeouts by striking out eight consecutive Chicago White Sox hitters. This impressive feat solidified McKenzie as one of the most promising young pitchers in the league.
Baseball runs in the McKenzie family, as Triston's younger brother T.J. was also drafted by a major league team. T.J. was selected by the St. Louis Cardinals in the 39th round of the 2019 MLB draft, following in his older brother's footsteps on the path to professional baseball.
In 2021, McKenzie continued to make strides in his career, playing alongside veteran catcher Wilson Ramos as a member of Cleveland's team. His performance on the mound earned him a reputation as a consistent strikeout artist and a valuable asset to the team.
As McKenzie's career progresses, he remains focused on honing his skills and contributing to his team's success. With his combination of talent, work ethic, and passion for the game, McKenzie is poised to have a long and successful career in Major League Baseball.