# Keynan Middleton

Keynan Anthony Middleton (born September 12, 1993) is an American professional baseball pitcher who is a free agent. He has played in Major League Baseball (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 later 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.

## Career
### 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 the Orem and played with the Burlington Bees in 2015. He began the 2016 season with the Inland Empire 66ers and was subsequently promoted to the Arkansas Travelers and Salt Lake Bees. Between the three teams, he recorded a 1–2 record with a 3.41 ERA, averaging 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, he 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, he yielded a solo home run to Baltimore catcher Caleb Joseph but managed to secure the final out by getting outfielder Joey Rickard to pop out on the infield. He finished the season with a 6–1 record and 3 saves in 64 games, averaging 9.7 strikeouts per 9 innings. His 64 appearances ranked as the 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 closer for the Angels. 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 he would undergo Tommy John surgery, which ended his season. Middleton finished the year with a record of 0–0, six saves in 16 appearances, a 2.04 ERA, and 16 strikeouts in 17+2⁄3 innings. After rehabbing for most of the 2019 season, Middleton returned in September, appearing in 11 games. However, on December 2, he was nontendered by the Angels.
In 2020, Middleton 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. He appeared in 32 games for the Mariners, posting a 4.94 ERA with 24 strikeouts. On August 26, 2021, he was designated for assignment by the Mariners. Two days later, on August 28, he 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. However, he was outrighted off the roster on November 3, 2022, and 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, recording three strikeouts in three scoreless innings pitched. On April 10, he 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 included a club option for the 2025 season. On June 4, Middleton underwent season–ending surgery to repair his flexor tendon. The Cardinals declined his option on October 31, making him a free agent.