Not many MLB players get an opportunity to start over at a different position, much less at 34 years old.
However, Tyler Naquin isn’t like most players.
The former outfielder is thriving as a relief pitcher in the minors and has been on an absolute roll.
Since he made his High-A debut last month, he leads the Midwest League in ERA (0.00), hits allowed (1), runs allowed (0), opposing batting average (.040) and hits allowed per nine innings (1.13), and is fourth in WHIP (0.63), via Brendan Kantz.
RHP Tyler Naquin’s ranks amongst MWL relievers in 8.0 IP since his High-A debut on 7/9:
– 0.00 ERA (T-1st)
– 1 H (1st)
– 0 R (T-1st)
– 0.40 AVG (1st)
– 1.13 H/9 (1st)
– 0.63 WHIP (4th)This is not just a feel good story folks, he is carving. 👀🔥#Guardians #Guardsball pic.twitter.com/WDBsOaMmFK
— BK (@KantzBrendan) August 4, 2025
The Guardians took Naquin with the No. 15 overall pick in the 2012 MLB Draft and he became primarily a part-time player.
Then, after eight years in the majors with the Guardians, Cincinnati Reds, New York Mets and Chicago White Sox, he was released in 2023.
He made an unorthodox decision to move to the mound and start working out as a reliever, and while the sample size is very small (eight innings), the early returns are encouraging.
According to Cleveland.com, he could barely crack 85 mph in his first bullpen session, but he’s now hitting the mid-90s with Lake County.
Naquin’s journey began training with former Guardians reliever Cam Hill, who is at the Arizona Complex League as a pitching coach.
Given his bond with Naquin, things may have been easier for both of them.
Naquin still has a long way to go, but he looks like he’s on the right path.
NEXT: Guardians' Top Pitching Prospect Believed To Have 'Extremely High Floor'
