Keynan Middleton

Keynan Anthony Middleton (born September 12, 1993) is an American professional baseball pitcher for the St. Louis Cardinals of Major League Baseball (MLB). He has previously played in MLB for the Los Angeles Angels, Seattle Mariners, Arizona Diamondbacks, Chicago White Sox, and New York Yankees. Middleton was drafted by the Angels in the third round of the 2013 MLB draft, and made his MLB debut with them in 2017.

High school and college
Middleton attended Milwaukie High School in Milwaukie, Oregon. He then played college baseball at Lane Community College. He was drafted by the Los Angeles Angels in the third round (95th overall) of the 2013 Major League Baseball draft.

Los Angeles Angels
He made his professional debut with the Arizona League Angels and was promoted to the Orem Owlz during the season. Middleton spent 2014 with Orem and 2015 with the Burlington Bees. He started 2016 with the Inland Empire 66ers and was promoted to the Arkansas Travelers and Salt Lake Bees during the season. Between the three teams he was 1–2 with a 3.41 ERA, and averaged 12.0 strikeouts per 9 innings.

Middleton made his MLB debut on May 5, 2017, allowing a run while striking out one in an inning of work. On June 11, Middleton earned his first career win in an inning of relief against the Houston Astros. Middleton picked up his first career save on August 8, 2017, in a 3–2 victory over Baltimore. After striking out the first two batters he faced, Middleton yielded a solo home run to Baltimore catcher Caleb Joseph and then got outfielder Joey Rickard to pop out on the infield to end the game. He finished the season with a 6–1 record and 3 saves in 64 games, as he averaged 9.7 strikeouts per 9 innings. His 64 appearances were third-most-ever by an Angels rookie, and he led AL rookies with an average fastball velocity of 97.2 miles per hour.

He began the 2018 season as the Angels closer. On May 14, Middleton was placed on the disabled list for the second time in the year due to suspected damage to the UCL in his right elbow. On May 17, it was announced that Middleton would undergo Tommy John surgery, ending his season. He finished 0–0 with six saves in 16 appearances and a 2.04 ERA and 16 strikeouts in $17 2/3$ innings. After rehabbing for the majority of the 2019 season, Middleton made his return in September, appearing in 11 games. On December 2, Middleton was nontendered by the Angels.

In 2020 he was 0–1 with a 5.25 ERA.

Seattle Mariners
On December 16, 2020, Middleton signed an $800K major league contract with the Seattle Mariners. Middleton appeared in 32 games for the Mariners, posting a 4.94 ERA with 24 strikeouts. On August 26, 2021, Middleton was designated for assignment by the Mariners. On August 28, Middleton cleared waivers and was assigned outright to the Triple-A Tacoma Rainiers. On October 8, Middleton elected free agency.

Arizona Diamondbacks
On January 13, 2022, Middleton signed a minor league contract with the Arizona Diamondbacks. He was assigned to the Triple-A Reno Aces to begin the year.

On April 29, Middleton had his contract selected to the 40-man and active rosters. He was outrighted off the roster on November 3, 2022, then subsequently elected free agency.

Chicago White Sox
On January 15, 2023, Middleton signed a minor league contract with the Chicago White Sox. He was assigned to the Triple-A Charlotte Knights to begin the year, and recorded three strikeouts in three scoreless innings pitched. On April 10, Middleton had his contract selected to the active roster.

New York Yankees
On August 1, 2023, Middleton was traded to the New York Yankees in exchange for Juan Carela. He became a free agent following the season.

St. Louis Cardinals
On February 3, 2024, Middleton signed a one-year contract with the St. Louis Cardinals that contained a club option for the 2025 season. On June 4, Middleton underwent season–ending surgery to repair his flexor tendon.