Cayden Mackey’s big-frame bullpen arm is still in the build phase for USC Upstate
In the 2026 season, USC Upstate right-hander Cayden Mackey showed swing-and-miss potential and durability hints, logging 25.2 innings across 16 appearances with 19 strikeouts, a save, and a career-long 5.1-inning scoreless outing against South Alabama.[1][2] At 6-foot-4, he brings the kind of size evaluators love, and early scouting noted a fastball reaching 90-91 with a slider/changeup combo that gave hitters trouble.[1][3] The appeal: a live arm, bullpen flexibility, and room to grow; the caution: the 8.77 ERA and .302 opponent average say the command-and-consistency button still needs pressing.[1]
