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Triston McKenzie's Meteoric Rise and Shocking Downfall: A Cautionary Tale in Baseball
16 Aug
Summary
- Triston McKenzie was once a top pitching prospect for the Cleveland Guardians
- In 2021, he flirted with a perfect game, a feat last achieved by a rookie
- Now, 4 years later, McKenzie is playing in the lowest minor league, struggling with a 6.91 ERA

In 2021, Triston McKenzie, a right-handed pitcher for the Cleveland Guardians, was on the cusp of making history. The young prospect flirted with a perfect game, a feat last accomplished by a rookie. However, fast forward to 2025, and McKenzie's story has taken a tragic turn.
As of August 2025, McKenzie is currently playing in the Arizona Complex League, the lowest level of minor league baseball, with a dismal 6.91 ERA in 8 games. The once-promising pitcher's downfall has been a stark reminder of the unpredictable nature of sports.
Injuries and the inexplicable vagaries of the game have taken a toll on McKenzie, who was once expected to be an ace for the Guardians for years to come. Now, at just 28 years old, he finds himself struggling to regain his former glory, leaving Guardians fans longing for the days when he was bound to be one of their heroes.
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The story of Triston McKenzie serves as a cautionary tale, showcasing the fragility of success in the world of professional baseball. Despite his early promise, the young pitcher's journey has taken an unexpected and heartbreaking turn, leaving many to wonder if he will ever be able to recapture the magic that once made him a rising star.