Adam Macko made MLB history on Monday night. The native of Bratislava, Slovakia, was finally promoted to the active roster for the Toronto Blue Jays on Sunday before making his MLB debut. He threw a scoreless inning with 2 groundouts and got one of the best hitters so far in 2026, Ben Rice, to fly out.
After being born in Slovakia and living there until he was 11, he moved with his family to Ireland before moving to Alberta, Canada a year later. After being selected by the Seattle Mariners in the 7th round of the 2019 MLB Draft, he pitched 3 minor league seasons in Seattle’s organization before being traded to Toronto late in 2022. After 3 minor league seasons in Toronto’s organization, he entered 2026 as one of the top minor league arms that could be promoted by Toronto during the 2026 season and was a full time a reliever after previously being a starter until August 2025.
Macko pitched for Canada at the 2026 World Baseball Classic. He impressed for Team Canada in 3 appearances with 2 1/3 scoreless innings and 4 strikeouts.
Starting the season at Triple-A Buffalo, Macko pitched in 13 games and posted a 4.50 ERA in 18 innings with 19 strikeouts. With Toronto needing help with left handed options in the bullpen, Macko was called up on Sunday.
He became the first player born in Slovakia after its independence to reach MLB. On Monday, Slovakia became the 22nd different nation or territory to be represented in Major League Baseball in 2026.
Born in a nation known for ice hockey and soccer, Adam Macko has now given Slovakia its first MLB player.
Photo: Canada pitcher Adam Macko delivers a pitch against the United States during the sixth inning of a World Baseball Classic quarterfinal game, Friday, March 13, 2026, in Houston. (AP Photo/David J. Phillip)
