MACK - GET TO KNOW - P CHAYCE McDERMOTT

 

Chayce McDermott (born August 22, 1998) is a 6'3", 190 lb right-handed pitcher.

He was drafted by the Houston Astros in the 4th round (132nd overall) out of Ball State University in 2021, traded to the Baltimore Orioles in 2022, and then dealt to the Dodgers in April 2026.

McDermott has a strong minor-league strikeout track record (over 12 K/9 in many seasons, with 611 career MiLB strikeouts in 435+ IP) but has struggled with command, consistency, and results in limited MLB action. He has a career MLB line of 0-1, 12.00 ERA in 7 appearances (2 starts, 15 IP), with 13 K, 14 BB, and a 2.27 WHIP.

• 2024 (BAL): MLB debut on July 24 vs. MIA (4 IP, 3 ER). One start: 6.75 ERA in 4 IP.
• 2025 (BAL): Mostly relief/spot starts; struggled badly with a 15.58 ERA in 8.2 IP (high walks and homers allowed).
• 2026: Converted to full-time relief. Started the year with BAL (DFA'd after poor Triple-A results), traded to LAD in mid-April. Limited MLB time with LAD (2.1 IP, 7.71 ERA, 1 K in 2 relief appearances as of late June). Optioned to Triple-A Oklahoma City; designated for assignment on July 31. In Triple-A (across teams), he posted a 4.55 ERA with strong strikeouts (52 in 31.2 IP) but a 1.55 WHIP.
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Key traits and development notes: He had Tommy John surgery in college. He worked on mechanics in the 2025-26 offseason (better posture, alignment, energy transfer), which boosted fastball velocity (from ~93 mph to ~96 mph) and improved command somewhat, though control remains an issue (high walk rates historically). He has shown swing-and-miss potential but has been flyball-prone and homer-vulnerable in MLB.