The Toronto Blue Jays should take a chance on this former first-round pick

On Monday, the Cleveland Guardians designated Triston McKenzie for assignment, bringing about an end to the 27-year-old's six-year tenture with Cleveland.

And let's be clear. The Toronto Blue Jays need to make the call for McKenzie immediately. They can use their long-standing Cleveland Guardians connection to get it done. This isn't a gamble; it's a calculated move with immense upside.​

The Toronto Blue Jays should take a chance on Triston McKenzie

Remembering the McKenzie from 2022

In 2022, McKenzie posted an impressive 2.96 ERA over 191 1/3 innings with 190 strikeouts and a 0.95 WHIP.

He was a dominant force that year, showcasing elite command and poise on the mound, as evidenced by him finishing in the 81st percentile in walk rate and the 75th percentile in chase rate. He also allowed just four runs in 11 postseason innings, which demonstrated his ability to pitch on the biggest stage.

He hasn't been the same pitcher since, however, as he had a 5.11 ERA in 2024 and posted an 11.12 ERA in 5 2/3 innings this year.

But context is crucial. He dealt with a UCL injury in 2023, which disrupted his rhythm and mechanics, as demonstrated here.

He had the option to undergo Tommy John surgery due to the injury, but instead elected for rest and rehab, which hasn't worked out so far.

Despite surface-level struggles, McKenzie's underlying metrics remain promising. His strikeout rates have been consistent, and his pitch movement and velocity show that the raw talent is still there. ​

The biggest thing is his pitch variety. Cleveland was using him in the bullpen this year (he'd been a starter every year in his career since) and 99 of the 124 pitches he's thrown this year have been fastballs. He hasn't been able to command his offspeed stuff, which has led to him becoming reliant on that fastball.

And if hitters know it's coming...

The Guardians needed some fresh arms in their bullpen, which meant that McKenzie, who is out of options, was the odd man out.

He'd provide much needed depth in the rotation

Despite having proven veterans like Chris Bassitt and Kevin Gausman, the Blue Jays' rotation isn't perfect has its vulnerabilities.

Injuries and inconsistency have plagued the staff, and adding a pitcher with McKenzie's potential could provide much-needed stability. ​

The biggest thing they'd need to watch with McKenzie would be the health of his arm.

He says that's fully recovered from that UCL sprain, but also that he spent the first year of his return not using all of his stuff because he didn't trust the health of his arm.

The Blue Jays would need to make him feel comfortable enough that he could go out and spin it, while also being comfortable riding out some clunkers as he finds his footing.

McKenzie is available now.

For a team looking to contend, this is the kind of low-risk, high-reward move that can pay dividends.

Toronto has the coaching (ever heard of Pete Walker?) and support system to help him rediscover his 2022 form.​

A bit of this is out of Toronto's hands, however. The Guardians can now trade McKenzie or place him on outright waivers at any point in the next four days, and this process should be resolved within a week. The Blue Jays will likely be one of numerous teams fighting for McKenzie's services, so they'd likely need to give up something in return to get him. Money should be an issue since McKenzie's owed a little less that $1.7 million for the rest of the season.

McKenzie has the talent and drive to succeed, and the Blue Jays have the need and resources to support him.

This signing makes sense on every level.​ It's time for Toronto to act.