Cleveland Guardians infielder/outfielder Tyler Freeman has been working for weeks.
That in itself shouldn’t be news, as players have been training for a while now in preparation for the 2025 season.
However, Freeman seems determined to increase his power output because he knows it can be his ticket to increased playing time with Cleveland.
His workouts have included a lot of weightlifting and exercises dedicated to increasing the strength in his arms and legs.
“Cleveland Guardians (INF/OF) Tyler Freeman deadlifting 405 lbs. 2x training at ROC Performance back home in Texas. Freeman will come into camp looking to earn an Opening Day roster spot most likely at second base or as a super utility option,” Guardians Prospective wrote on X.
Cleveland #Guardians (INF/OF) Tyler Freeman deadlifting 405lbs 2x training at @roc_performance back home in Texas.
Freeman will come into camp looking to earn an Opening Day roster spot most likely at second base or as a super utility option.#ForTheLand pic.twitter.com/nmYhFIUARh
— Guardians Prospective (@CleGuardPro) January 30, 2025
A solid spring and a lack of other viable alternatives resulted in a starting gig for Freeman last season in center field.
In the end, he posted a similar offensive output (84 wRC+) as he did in 2023 (83 wRC+).
He hit just seven home runs in 2024 and knows he will have to increase that number in order to get more opportunities.
His prospect pedigree, age (25) and versatility will give him another chance to show he can stick around and contribute at least league-average offensive performance.
That’s all he needs to get a place on the Guardians this season, given the fact he can successfully cover multiple infield and outfield positions, including the two most important: shortstop and center field.
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