Pitching-starved Yankees must try waiver claim on recently DFA'd diehard fan

Yes. Yes, we're well aware that years of Triston McKenzie trade possibilities have vanished in a puff of smoke these past few years as the spindly right-hander's career has gone off the rails. But ... now that all he costs is a roster spot and a waiver claim ... can the New York Yankees please jump the line here and bring this childhood Bombers fan home?

There isn't much data that indicates McKenzie would be a worthwhile panacea to the Yankees' current issues. In fact, there's plenty more data that hints he won't help at all. But, counterpoint: please?

It should at least be semi-instructive that every fanbase is currently searching for some variety of connection to exploit to justify a dalliance with McKenzie, some more tenuous than others. We're not alone. Padres fans are hyping up his connection to Ruben Niebla. Brewers, Mets and Red Sox fans are touting their respective pitching labs.

And Guardians fans? They're just sad to see him go, depressed that whatever disconnect occurred when he decided to rehab his elbow in 2023 rather than correct the issue with surgery developed into a chasm.

Yankees should add Triston McKenzie as Hail Mary possibility after Cleveland Guardians DFA

There was a point this offseason when I felt that the Yankees could give McKenzie a soft place to land as a starter-turned-question-mark in much the same way they helped Luke Weaver find some MPH and an attitude last winter. Cleveland had the same thought about a role change this year, and it manifested itself as bottom-of-the-barrel Savant rankings across four games (zero starts), an 11.12 ERA, and a 2.47 WHIP. It's been eventful sailing for the 6'5", 165-pound completely unique specimen. It's possible that no team, not even the Yankees, can break him of whatever bad habits have derailed him in recent seasons.

But only the Yankees are McKenzie's childhood team, the Yankees of Derek Jeter and guts and glory. The Yankees can provide McKenzie with a reunion with CC Sabathia, his mentor. And, if it doesn't work, both the Yankees and McKenzie can wash their hands and move on — but at least the hurler will be able to say he wore the pinstripes.

It's far less likely this works than it doesn't. But a waiver claim, a small cash deal, and some time in the minors might all be worth it if the two sides are able to fulfill a childhood dream during McKenzie's time of need.