Guardians' veteran starter hopes to pitch two more seasons

Triston McKenzie set for contract extension with Cleveland

The 25-year-old right-hander is set to enter his second year of arbitration and currently earns $5.6 million a year, per Spotrac

Cleveland Guardians' starting pitcher Triston McKenzie is hoping to sign a two-year contract extension with the team, according to a report from The Athletic. McKenzie, 25, is set to enter his second year of arbitration and is projected to earn $6.3 million in 2024, per MLB Trade Rumors.

The Guardians have not yet made an offer to McKenzie, but the two sides are expected to begin negotiations in the coming weeks. McKenzie is represented by agent Scott Boras, who is known for negotiating lucrative contracts for his clients.

McKenzie has emerged as one of the Guardians' most valuable pitchers over the past two seasons. He finished with a 3.24 ERA, 1.04 WHIP, and 194 strikeouts in 203 innings pitched in 2022.

McKenzie's performance helped the Guardians win their first American League Central Division title since 2018. He also started Game 1 of the AL Wild Card Series against the Tampa Bay Rays.

The Guardians are hoping to keep McKenzie in Cleveland for the long term. He is a key part of their young rotation, which also includes Shane Bieber, Cal Quantrill, and Aaron Civale.

If McKenzie is able to sign a two-year extension with the Guardians, he would be under contract through the 2026 season. He would be eligible for free agency after the 2026 season.