Kyle McGowin

{{Infobox baseball biography

|name = Kyle McGowin

|image = Kyle_McGowin_stretch_from_Nationals_vs._Braves_at_Nationals_Park,_April_6th,_2021_(All-Pro_Reels_Photography)_(51101559236)_(cropped).png

|caption = McGowin with the Washington Nationals in 2021

|team = Free agent

|number =

|position = Pitcher

|bats = Right

|throws = Right

|birth_date = {{birth date and age|1991|11|27}}

|birth_place = Southampton, New York, U.S.

|debutleague = MLB

|debutdate = September 5

|debutyear = 2018

|debutteam = Washington Nationals

|debut2league= CPBL

|debut2date = October 8

|debut2year = 2023

|debut2team = CTBC Brothers

|statyear = 2021 season

|statleague = MLB

|stat1label = Win–loss record

|stat1value = 1–0

|stat2label = Earned run average

|stat2value = 5.98

|stat3label = Strikeouts

|stat3value = 77

|stat2year = 2023 season

|stat2league = CPBL

|stat21label = Win–loss record

|stat21value = 0–2

|stat22label = Earned run average

|stat22value = 7.50

|stat23label = Strikeouts

|stat23value = 15

|teams =

Washington Nationals ({{mlby|2018}}–{{mlby|2021}})
CTBC Brothers ({{by|2023}})

}}

Kyle Keston McGowin (born November 27, 1991) is an American professional baseball pitcher who is a free agent. He has previously played in Major League Baseball (MLB) for the Washington Nationals and in the Chinese Professional Baseball League (CPBL) for the CTBC Brothers.

Amateur career

McGowin is from Sag Harbor, New York. He attended Pierson High School, and pitched for the school's baseball team.{{cite web|url=http://sagharboronline.com/five-questions-with-kyle-mcgowin/|title=Five Questions with Kyle McGowin - The Sag Harbor Express|date=February 10, 2016|publisher=|access-date=December 11, 2016}}{{Dead link|date=November 2024 |bot=InternetArchiveBot |fix-attempted=yes }} After graduating in 2010, he enrolled at Savannah State University, and played college baseball for the Savannah State Tigers. In the 2013 Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference baseball tournament, he was named the tournament's Outstanding Performer after he pitched all ten innings of the championship game, recording 11 strikeouts.{{cite web|url=http://www.meacsports.com/ViewArticle.dbml?SPSID=98168&SPID=12091&DB_LANG=C&ATCLID=207716760&DB_OEM_ID=20800|publisher=Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference|title=Savannah State University Wins MEAC Baseball Title|date=May 19, 2013|access-date=May 21, 2013}} The National Collegiate Baseball Writers Association named him a First Team All-American in 2013, his junior year.{{cite web|url=http://savannahnow.com/sports/2013-06-13/savannah-states-kyle-mcgowin-named-all-america-team|title=Savannah State's Kyle McGowin named to All-America team|publisher=|access-date=December 11, 2016}}

Professional career

=Los Angeles Angels=

The Los Angeles Angels selected McGowin in the fifth round, with the 157th overall selection, of the 2013 MLB draft.{{cite web|url=http://www.27east.com/news/article.cfm/Sag-Harbor/13993/Kyle-McGowin-Drafted-In-Fifth-Round-By-Angels-On-Friday|title=A Dream Come True For Kyle McGowin - Sag Harbor|date=June 7, 2013|publisher=|access-date=December 11, 2016}} After he signed with the Angels, he made his professional debut with the Orem Owlz of the Rookie-level Pioneer League.{{cite web |url=http://easthamptonstar.com/Sports/2014219/Angels%E2%80%99-Prospect-Heads-Tempe |title=Angels' Prospect Heads for Tempe {{!}} The East Hampton Star |website=easthamptonstar.com |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140914024618/http://easthamptonstar.com/Sports/2014219/Angels%E2%80%99-Prospect-Heads-Tempe |archive-date=2014-09-14}} He pitched for the Inland Empire 66ers of the High-A California League in 2014, and was named a Midseason All-Star. He spent the 2015 season with the Arkansas Travelers of the Double-A Texas League,{{cite web|url=https://www.milb.com/news/gcs-127266198|title=No. 17 Los Angeles Angels prospect Kyle McGowin closes book on strong May for Double-A Arkansas Travelers - MiLB.com News - The Official Site of Minor League Baseball|publisher=|access-date=December 11, 2016}} and was invited to spring training in 2016.{{cite web|url=http://easthamptonstar.com/Sports/2016204/Angels-Invite-McGowin-Spring-Training-Camp|title=Angels Invite McGowin to Spring Training Camp - The East Hampton Star|publisher=|access-date=December 11, 2016|archive-date=December 21, 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161221012524/http://easthamptonstar.com/Sports/2016204/Angels-Invite-McGowin-Spring-Training-Camp|url-status=dead}} He began the 2016 season with Arkansas, and was promoted to the Salt Lake Bees of the Triple-A Pacific Coast League.{{cite web|url=http://www.27east.com/news/article.cfm/Sag-Harbor/480729/Sag-Harbor-Native-Kyle-McGowin-Now-Just-One-Step-Away-From-Big-Leagues|title=Sag Harbor Native Kyle McGowin Now Just One Step Away From Big Leagues - Sag Harbor|date=May 23, 2016|publisher=|access-date=December 11, 2016}}{{cite web|url=http://www.ocregister.com/articles/season-725394-bees-mcgowin.html|title=Salt Lake Bees Notes: Kyle McGowin showing signs of promise|first=BUBBA|last=BROWN|date=August 10, 2016|publisher=|access-date=December 11, 2016}}

=Washington Nationals=

On December 10, 2016, the Washington Nationals acquired McGowin and Austin L. Adams in exchange for Danny Espinosa.{{cite web|url=http://www.masnsports.com/masn-news-information/2016/12/nationals-acquire-pitchers-adams-mcgowin-from-angels-in-exchange-for-espinosa.html|title=Nationals acquire pitchers Adams, McGowin from Angels in exchange for Espinosa|first=Pete|last=Kerzel|publisher=|access-date=December 11, 2016}} McGowin started the year with the Triple-A Syracuse Chiefs but was assigned down to the Double-A Harrisburg Senators on June 16, 2017, after posting a 6.31 ERA and a 1–6 win–loss record in nine starts.{{cite tweet|number=875809205923524613|user=ByronKerr|title=Harrisburg LHP Braulio Lara placed on DL. RHP Jaron Long promoted to Syracuse. RHP Kyle McGowin assigned to Harrisburg |accessdate=June 16, 2017|date=June 16, 2017}} He pitched for the Mesa Solar Sox in the Arizona Fall League after the 2017 season, making six starts and striking out 27 batters without a walk allowed.{{cite news|url=http://www.masnsports.com/byron-kerr/2018/01/nats-pitching-prospects-kyle-mcgowin-and-jimmy-cordero.html|agency=MASN Sports|first=Byron|last=Kerr|title=Nats pitching prospect spotlight: Kyle McGowin and Jimmy Cordero|date=January 8, 2018|access-date=September 3, 2018}}

File:Kyle McGowin (43473048791) (cropped).jpg in 2018]]

In 2018, McGowin bounced back, earning a promotion back to Triple-A midway through the season and putting up a 1.20 ERA down the stretch with the Chiefs as a reliable starting pitcher.{{cite tweet|number=1036678998422691840|user=TalkNats|title=Kyle McGowin finishes his 2018 season with @SyracuseChiefs with a 1.20 ERA. |date=September 3, 2018}} He was among several pitchers mentioned by media as potential late-season call-ups by the Nationals.{{cite news|url=http://www.talknats.com/2018/09/02/decisions-decisions-september-call-time-nats/|agency=TalkNats|title=Decisions, decisions: September call-up time for the #Nats|date=September 2, 2018|access-date=September 2, 2018}}{{cite news|url=https://www.washingtonpost.com/news/nationals-journal/wp/2018/09/01/with-gio-gonzalez-gone-whats-next-for-the-nationals-starting-rotation/|newspaper=The Washington Post|title=With Gio Gonzalez gone, what's next for the Nationals' starting rotation?|date=September 1, 2018|access-date=September 2, 2018}}{{cite news|url=https://www.washingtontimes.com/news/2018/aug/29/nationals-look-roster-expansion/|work=The Washington Times|title=Nationals look to roster expansion|date=August 29, 2018|access-date=September 2, 2018}}

On September 3, 2018, the Nationals selected McGowin's contract, calling him up to the major leagues for the first time.{{cite news|url=https://sagharborexpress.com/kyle-mcgowin-bound-big-leagues/|work=Sag Harbor Express|title=Kyle McGowin is Bound for the Big Leagues|first=Gavin|last=Menu|date=September 3, 2018|access-date=September 3, 2018|archive-date=September 4, 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180904052538/https://sagharborexpress.com/kyle-mcgowin-bound-big-leagues/|url-status=dead}} He made his major league debut on September 5, pitching an inning against the St. Louis Cardinals and giving up a solo home run to Yairo Muñoz.{{cite news|url=https://sagharborexpress.com/long-last-kyle-mcgowin-makes-major-league-debut/|work=Sag Harbor Express|title=At Long Last, Kyle McGowin Makes Major League Debut|first=Gavin|last=Menu|date=September 6, 2018|access-date=September 13, 2018|archive-date=September 14, 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180914022212/https://sagharborexpress.com/long-last-kyle-mcgowin-makes-major-league-debut/|url-status=dead}}

McGowin appeared in 7 games for the Nationals in 2019, registering an ugly 10.13 ERA with 18 strikeouts in 16.0 innings of work. Although he was not on the National's postseason roster, the Nationals won the World Series in 2019 and McGowin earned his first championship title.{{Cite web|url = https://sagharborexpress.com/world-series-winner-kyle-mcgowin-hosting-pitching-clinic/|title = World Series Winner Kyle McGowin Hosting Pitching Clinic|date = November 23, 2020|access-date = April 8, 2021|archive-date = January 26, 2021|archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20210126082759/https://sagharborexpress.com/world-series-winner-kyle-mcgowin-hosting-pitching-clinic/|url-status = dead}} Pitching in relief against the Atlanta Braves on September 5, 2020, McGowin earned his first career win.{{cite news|url=https://www.startribune.com/mcgowin-nats-bullpen-dominates-in-10-4-win-over-braves/572332042/|title=McGowin, Nats' bullpen dominates in 10–4 win over Braves|first=Charles|last=Odum|work=Star Tribune|date=September 5, 2020|access-date=September 6, 2020}} On the season, McGowin appeared in 9 games for the Nationals, pitching to a 4.91 ERA with 16 strikeouts in 11.0 innings pitched.{{Cite web|url=https://www.federalbaseball.com/2020/11/16/21563962/kyle-mcgowin-confident-in-new-role-washington-nationals|title = Kyle McGowin confident in new role with the Washington Nationals|date = November 16, 2020}}

In 2021, McGowin made 27 appearances for the Nationals, recording a 4.20 ERA with 35 strikeouts in 30.0 innings of work. On September 4, 2021, McGowin was placed on the 60-day injured list after being diagnosed with a UCL sprain in his right elbow.{{Cite web|url=https://www.cbssports.com/fantasy/baseball/news/nationals-kyle-mcgowin-moved-to-60-day-il/|title=Nationals' Kyle McGowin: Moved to 60-day IL|date=September 4, 2021 }} On November 5, McGowin was outrighted off of the 40-man roster.{{Cite web|url=https://www.mlbtraderumors.com/2021/11/nationals-claim-francisco-perez-off-waivers-from-guardians.html|title=Nationals Claim Francisco Perez off Waivers from Guardians|date=November 5, 2021 }} He elected free agency on November 7.{{Cite web|title=2021-22 Minor League Free Agents For All 30 MLB Teams|url=https://www.baseballamerica.com/stories/2021-22-minor-league-free-agents-for-all-30-mlb-teams/?amphtml|access-date=2023-04-18|website=baseballamerica.com|date=November 9, 2021 |language=en}}

=Staten Island FerryHawks=

On April 19, 2023, McGowin signed with the Staten Island FerryHawks of the Atlantic League of Professional Baseball.{{cite web | url=https://www.atlanticleague.com/stats/transactions/ | title=Atlantic League Professional Baseball: Transactions }} He was the Opening Day starter for Staten Island, tossing five perfect innings while striking out 11.

=Houston Astros=

On May 9, 2023, McGowin's contract was purchased by the Houston Astros organization.{{Cite web|title=FerryHawks Notebook: MLB's Houston Astros purchase Staten Island's ace pitcher after just one start|url=https://www.silive.com/ferryhawks/2023/05/ferryhawks-notebook-mlbs-houston-astros-purchase-staten-islands-ace-pitcher-after-just-one-start.html?outputType=amp|access-date=2023-05-12|website=silive.com| date=May 9, 2023 |language=en}} In 16 games (9 starts) for the Triple–A Sugar Land Space Cowboys, he posted a 3–7 record and 7.36 ERA with 58 strikeouts in {{fraction|62|1|3}} innings pitched. On August 16, McGowin was released by Houston.{{cite web | url=https://www.milb.com/transactions/2023-08-16 | title=Transactions }}

=Lake Country DockHounds=

On August 26, 2023, McGowin signed with the Lake Country DockHounds of the American Association of Professional Baseball.{{Cite web|title=2023 Transactions|url=https://aabaseball.com/transactions/|access-date=August 26, 2023|website=aabaseball.com|language=en}} In his only appearance for Lake Country, a start, he allowed 3 runs (2 earned) on 6 hits with 7 strikeouts in 6.0 innings of work.

=CTBC Brothers=

On August 29, 2023, McGowin signed with CTBC Brothers of the Chinese Professional Baseball League (CPBL).{{Cite web|title=CTBC Brothers Sign Kyle McGowin|url=http://cpblstats.com/ctbc-brothers-sign-kyle-mcgowin/|access-date=September 6, 2023|website=cpblstats.com|date=August 30, 2023 |language=en}} In 3 starts for the Brothers, he logged a 7.50 ERA with 15 strikeouts across 12 innings pitched. McGowin became a free agent following the 2023 season.

=Charleston Dirty Birds=

On March 13, 2024, McGowin signed with the Charleston Dirty Birds of the Atlantic League.{{Cite web|title=Atlantic League Transactions|url=https://www.atlanticleague.com/stats/transactions/|access-date=March 14, 2024|website=atlanticleague.com|language=en}} In two starts for Charleston, McGowin posted a 2.70 ERA with 11 strikeouts across 10 innings pitched.

=Chicago Cubs=

On May 10, 2024, McGowin's contract was purchased by the Chicago Cubs organization.{{Cite web|title=Cubs, Kyle McGowin Agree To Minor League Deal|url=https://www.mlbtraderumors.com/2024/05/cubs-kyle-mcgowin-agree-to-minor-league-deal.html|access-date=May 12, 2024|website=mlbtraderumors.com|date=May 10, 2024 |language=en}} In 15 starts split between the Double–A Tennessee Smokies and Triple–A Iowa Cubs, he accumulated a 2–4 record and 4.66 ERA with 72 strikeouts across {{fraction|75|1|3}} innings pitched. McGowin was released by the Cubs organization on August 8.{{cite web | url=https://www.milb.com/transactions/2024-08-08 | title=Transactions }}

Pitching style

McGowin pitches right-handed, with a crossfire delivery that adds deception to his pitches. His primary pitch is a fastball that sits at about {{convert|91|mph}}, with a slider and circle changeup that complement it. He is considered to have above-average control.{{cite web|url=https://2080baseball.com/spotlight/kyle-mcgowin/|publisher=2080 Baseball|first=Adam|last=McInturff|title=Kyle McGowin|date=July 5, 2018|access-date=September 3, 2018}}