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Triston McKenzie 2019 Outlook: A Right-Handed Andrew Miller To Be Excited About
6 years agoOne of the best pitching prospects in the Cleveland system, Triston McKenzie should start the year at Triple-A and make his debut in the second half of the 2019 campaign. Built like Carl Edwards Jr., the question moving forward will be his role, after he was primarily a starter in the minor leagues. Durability is the main concern with the frame, but McKenzie flashed three plus pitches, so has the skill set to stick in the rotation. The other reason to target is that he has been limited with his innings so far, meaning there is plenty in the tank for the season if he gets the chance. In the minors, he has shown elite stuff, with 11.71 K/9 in 2017, and 8.64 in a shorter 2018. The command is also there, with a career-max 2.83 BB/9 in 2017. Owners looking at McKenzie for 2019 drafts should expect a multi-inning role with the 92 MPH fastball playing up even more. For a team that needs bullpen help, and has confused teams with the lack of activity this winter, this arm could be the explanation. With a current ADP of 682, AL-only owners should be willing to throw this dart. No risk of saves, but wins in middle-innings, coupled with the ratios, will make McKenzie a valuable relief asset in fantasy leagues.
