Billy McKinney's journey through Major League Baseball is characterized by his adaptability and perseverance. Born on August 23, 1994, in Dallas, Texas, McKinney was drafted by the Oakland Athletics in the first round of the 2013 MLB Draft. His early career saw him traded to the Chicago Cubs as part of a deal for Jeff Samardzija and Jason Hammel in 2014. However, it was with the New York Yankees that McKinney would make his MLB debut.

McKinney's debut came on March 30, 2018, with the Yankees. His time with the team was brief, as he was traded to the Toronto Blue Jays in July 2018, along with Brandon Drury, in exchange for J.A. Happ. With the Blue Jays, McKinney found more opportunities to showcase his skills. He played in 36 games during the 2018 season, hitting six home runs and driving in 13 runs. His performance was a glimpse of his potential as a power hitter.

The 2019 season saw McKinney continue with the Blue Jays, where he played in 84 games. During this time, he hit 12 home runs and had 28 RBIs. While his batting average was modest, his ability to hit for power was evident. McKinney's role with the Blue Jays was primarily as an outfielder, and he demonstrated his capability to play both corner outfield positions.

In 2020, the shortened MLB season due to the COVID-19 pandemic limited McKinney's opportunities. He appeared in 40 games, hitting three home runs and driving in 10 runs. Despite the challenges of the season, McKinney continued to work on his game, focusing on improving his on-base percentage and defensive skills.

The 2021 season brought new opportunities and challenges for McKinney. He began the year with the Milwaukee Brewers, having been claimed off waivers from the Blue Jays. With the Brewers, McKinney played in 40 games, hitting six home runs. However, his time with the team was short-lived, as he was designated for assignment in May 2021.

Shortly after, McKinney was traded to the New York Mets, where he found a new home in the outfield. His stint with the Mets saw him play in 39 games, contributing five home runs and 14 RBIs. McKinney's ability to adapt to new teams and situations was evident as he continued to provide depth to the Mets' roster.

Later in 2021, McKinney was claimed off waivers by the Los Angeles Dodgers. With the Dodgers, he played in 37 games, although his offensive production was limited. Despite this, McKinney's defensive versatility and experience were valuable assets to the team as they made a push for the postseason.