Triston McKenzie, now with the San Diego Padres after signing in the recent offseason, achieved a notable pitching velocity that he has not reached since 2020. During his spring training debut on Sunday against the Los Angeles Dodgers, McKenzie hit 99 mph on his fastball, marking a significant development in his performance. The Padres have been observing his progress closely as he competes for a roster spot this season.
Spring Debut Performance and Velocity Details
McKenzie’s appearance on the mound during the Padres’ 5-1 loss to the Dodgers was brief and challenging, as he allowed four earned runs in just two-thirds of an inning. Despite the difficult outing, his fastball velocity stood out. According to Codify data, McKenzie had not thrown a regular season fastball above 96 mph since the 2020 campaign, making this burst of speed a positive sign for his pitching capabilities.
Challenges Facing McKenzie in Securing a Roster Spot
While the increased velocity may draw the Padres’ interest, McKenzie’s command and consistency remain areas needing improvement. To earn a permanent place on the pitching staff, he must reduce runs allowed and gain better control over his pitches. His potential was once highly regarded when he was a top prospect with the Cleveland Guardians, but that promise has yet to fully translate into sustained success since 2022.
Past Performance and Future Outlook
In 2022, McKenzie displayed his ability with a 2.96 ERA across 31 appearances for the Guardians, demonstrating the skill that positioned him as a key pitcher. However, subsequent seasons saw a decline in effectiveness. The recent jump in velocity with San Diego could be a turning point if matched with improved command and consistency. The Padres remain supportive but expect stronger performances from McKenzie in upcoming spring training games.
😮 Triston McKenzie hasn't thrown a 96+ MPH pitch in a regular season MLB game since 2020. https://t.co/nMP2xZrQ1T
— Codify (@CodifyBaseball) February 22, 2026
