1. Early Life and Education
Markel's early life and education laid the groundwork for his baseball career, beginning with his high school and college athletic pursuits before his entry into professional baseball through the MLB draft.
1.1. High School and College
Markel attended Mountain Ridge High School in Glendale, Arizona. Following high school, he continued his baseball career at Yavapai College in Prescott, Arizona in 2010.
1.2. Amateur Drafts
Markel was first selected by the Detroit Tigers in the 32nd round of the 2009 MLB draft, but he opted not to sign with the team. The following year, he was drafted again by the Tampa Bay Rays in the 39th round of the 2010 MLB draft, and this time he signed, beginning his professional career.
2. Professional Career
Markel's professional career has been characterized by extensive travel through various baseball organizations and leagues, including multiple MLB teams, minor league affiliates, independent teams, and international leagues.
2.1. Minor League and Independent League Career
Markel spent significant portions of his career developing in minor league systems and showcasing his skills in independent baseball leagues.
2.1.1. Tampa Bay Rays Organization
Markel spent seven seasons, from 2010 through 2016, within the Tampa Bay Rays organization. During his tenure, he played for several of the Rays' minor league affiliates, including the Gulf Coast Rays, Hudson Valley Renegades, Bowling Green Hot Rods, Charlotte Stone Crabs, Montgomery Biscuits, and the Durham Bulls. In the 2016 season, he split his time between Double-A Montgomery and Triple-A Durham, where he compiled a combined 7-3 record with a 2.78 ERA and recorded 58 strikeouts over 43 appearances. Following the 2016 season, he elected for free agency on November 7, 2016.
2.1.2. Sioux City Explorers
After a brief international stint, Markel signed with the Sioux City Explorers of the independent American Association of Independent Professional Baseball and spent the entire 2018 season with the team. During spring training with the Explorers in 2018, Markel suffered a concussion and a ruptured right eardrum after being struck by a batted ball during live batting practice.
2.1.3. Arizona Diamondbacks Organization
On December 18, 2017, Markel signed a minor league contract with the Arizona Diamondbacks. However, his time with the organization was brief, as he was released prior to the start of the season on March 25, 2018.
2.2. International Career
Markel's professional career also included an experience playing in a prominent international league.
2.2.1. Lotte Giants (KBO League)
During the 2016 offseason, Markel signed with the Lotte Giants (롯데 자이언츠Korean) of the KBO League in South Korea, joining the team to replace Josh Lindblom. However, his time in Korea was short-lived. He appeared in only one exhibition game for the Giants. On March 27, 2017, Markel personally requested and was granted his release from the team due to anxiety issues, difficulty adapting to life in Korea, and other personal circumstances. He was subsequently replaced by Nick Additon.
2.3. Major League Baseball (MLB) Career
Markel made his Major League Baseball debut in 2019 and spent parts of several seasons with various MLB organizations.
2.3.1. Seattle Mariners
Markel signed a minor league contract with the Seattle Mariners on September 28, 2018. He began the 2019 season with the Mariners' minor league affiliates, the Arkansas Travelers and the Tacoma Rainiers. On May 12, 2019, Markel's contract was selected, and he was called up to the major leagues for the first time in his career. He made his MLB debut on the same day against the Boston Red Sox. On July 23, 2019, Markel was designated for assignment by the Mariners.
2.3.2. Pittsburgh Pirates
On July 27, 2019, the Pittsburgh Pirates claimed Markel off waivers from the Seattle Mariners.
2.3.3. Los Angeles Angels
On October 31, 2019, Markel was traded to the Los Angeles Angels in exchange for cash considerations. He was designated for assignment by the Angels on February 10, 2020. Markel did not play in any games during the 2020 season due to the cancellation of the minor league season as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic. He became a free agent on November 2, 2020.
2.3.4. San Diego Padres
On November 17, 2020, Markel signed a minor league contract with the San Diego Padres organization. He spent the entire year with the Triple-A El Paso Chihuahuas, where he recorded a 4.42 ERA and 91 strikeouts over 41 appearances. On September 22, 2021, Markel was released by the Padres organization.
2.3.5. Oakland Athletics
On March 5, 2022, Markel signed a minor league contract with the Oakland Athletics. The Athletics promoted Markel to the major leagues on May 29. He made three appearances out of the bullpen, allowing only one hit over three scoreless innings of work. On June 7, 2022, Markel was designated for assignment to make room for Matt Davidson on the team's 40-man roster.
2.3.6. Chicago White Sox
On June 8, 2022, Markel was claimed off waivers by the Chicago White Sox and subsequently optioned to the Triple-A Charlotte Knights. He was removed from the 40-man roster and sent outright to the Triple-A Charlotte Knights on July 29. In 24 games for Charlotte, Markel struggled, posting a 10.29 ERA with 27 strikeouts over 21.0 innings pitched. He was released by the White Sox organization on August 31.
2.4. Atlantic League Career
After his time in MLB, Markel continued his professional career in the Atlantic League.
2.4.1. Hagerstown Flying Boxcars
On February 22, 2024, it was announced that Markel would be signing with the Hagerstown Flying Boxcars for their inaugural season in the Atlantic League of Professional Baseball. In 18 games, including 17 starts, for the team, he compiled a 2-6 record with a 6.28 ERA and 61 strikeouts over 76 innings of work.
3. Personal Life
Beyond his on-field performance, Markel has faced personal challenges and engaged in non-baseball activities.
3.1. Mental Health and Non-Baseball Activities
In 2017, Markel requested his release from the Lotte Giants due to struggles with anxiety issues and difficulty adapting to life in South Korea. This period led him to step away from professional baseball for the remainder of 2017. During this time, he took on work outside of baseball, including employment at a Lululemon store and for a hot air balloon company.
3.2. Injuries
Markel has also experienced significant injuries during his career. In 2018, while in spring training with the Sioux City Explorers, he suffered a concussion and a ruptured right eardrum after being struck by a batted ball.