Adam Macko’s journey to the Blue Jays' 40-man roster is anything but typical - and it's not just because he hails from Slovakia, a country with virtually no footprint in Major League Baseball. At 25, the left-hander is entering a pivotal season in his career, one that could see him make history as the first Slovakian-born player to appear in an MLB game since 1961 - and the first to grow up there to ever do it.
Originally born in Bratislava and raised in Ireland, Macko’s path to pro ball took a sharp turn when his family moved to Alberta so he could attend the Vauxhall Baseball Academy, a well-regarded Canadian development program. That move eventually put him on the radar of big-league scouts, and he landed in the Blue Jays organization via the Teoscar Hernández trade, which also brought reliever Erik Swanson to Toronto.
The Jays added Macko to their 40-man roster in November 2023 to shield him from the Rule 5 Draft - a clear sign they see potential worth protecting. But now, the clock is ticking. He’s in his final option year, and with a crowded group of arms vying for call-up consideration, this spring could be make-or-break.
What Macko Brings to the Mound
Macko’s pitch mix is intriguing, if not overpowering. He works with a four-seam fastball that sits between 91 and 95 mph, with solid arm-side run. It’s not a blow-you-away heater, but it plays up thanks to his ability to locate it and pair it effectively with his offspeed stuff.
His slider is often his go-to pitch - averaging 80 mph but showing versatility in shape and speed. He can morph it into a cutter in the low 80s or take it down into curveball territory around 78. That ability to manipulate the pitch gives him a bit of unpredictability, and when he’s commanding it, it’s a legitimate weapon.
He also features a big, slow curveball in the low 70s that has plus depth. It’s more of a "steal a strike" pitch than a swing-and-miss option, but it adds another layer to his arsenal. His changeup, which comes in around 81 mph, shows impressive arm-side fade and depth - arguably his best movement profile - though his feel for it can be inconsistent.
When he’s locked in, Macko shows average command. The challenge is that it doesn’t always stick around. His delivery is smooth and repeatable despite a longer arm action, but the command can waver, which has kept him from taking the next step.
Starter or Reliever? The Role Question Looms
Last season was a mixed bag for Macko. He missed the start of the year after undergoing knee surgery, then lost more time to a forearm strain.
When he did return, he logged 18 appearances (10 starts) for Triple-A Buffalo, finishing with a 5.20 ERA over 64 innings. He walked 36 and struck out 65 - numbers that reflect both his swing-and-miss potential and the control issues that continue to hold him back.
As a starter, he showed flashes but lacked consistency. When the Jays moved him to the bullpen later in the season, the results improved.
He gained nearly a full tick on his fastball - touching 94 more consistently - and saw a boost in command. Hitters were chasing more, especially on pitches out of the zone, and he was in the strike zone more often.
That shift has opened the door to a possible future in relief, where his pitch mix might play up in shorter stints.
It’s worth noting that prospect rankings have cooled on him a bit. He was No. 8 on the Jays’ list last year but has since fallen off due to age and role uncertainty. Keith Law still had him at No. 20 entering this season, citing the quality of his breaking balls and improved performance out of the bullpen.
The Road Ahead
There’s no shortage of competition for the next-man-up rotation spot in Toronto. Ricky Tiedemann, Lazaro Estrada, Jake Bloss, and a handful of non-roster invitees are all in the mix this spring. If Macko wants to stay in that conversation - whether as a starter or a reliever - he’ll need a strong camp.
The tools are there. The fastball has life, the slider can be a real weapon, and the changeup has shown flashes of being a difference-maker.
But consistency and health have to follow. If he can put together a full season and show he can handle a starter’s workload - topping 100 innings for the first time - he could solidify a role at the back end of a rotation.
If not, a bullpen role might be his best shot at sticking in the big leagues.
Either way, Macko’s story is already a unique one. Now, he’s looking to add a new chapter - one that ends with a debut in Toronto and a place in baseball history.