The Cleveland Guardians made outfielder Tyler Naquin their first-round pick in the 2012 MLB Draft.
He made his MLB debut in 2016 and became an integral part of the team that reached the World Series, with 14 home runs and a 133 wRC+ as a platoon outfielder.
He was with the Guardians until 2020, then bounced around multiple organizations from 2021 to 2023.
Naquin didn’t play professionally last year but is now re-joining the Guardians in another capacity.
“The Guardians have signed Tyler Naquin to a Minor League contract. He has reported to the club’s Goodyear facility, converting to a right-handed pitcher,” Camryn Justice of News 5 Cleveland wrote on X.
The #Guardians have signed Tyler Naquin to a Minor League contract. He has reported to the club's Goodyear facility, converting to a right-handed pitcher.
— Camryn Justice (@camijustice) March 6, 2025
Naquin is 33 years old and always had a solid arm in the outfield.
He is joining Cleveland on a minor league deal, so the organization doesn’t lose anything by allowing him to pitch and see what he’s got.
We have seen coach Carl Willis and Cleveland’s player development department achieve miracles, and though Naquin is definitely a long shot to contribute in 2025, it doesn’t hurt to try this.
Despite the fact his career as a hitter ended with a 101 wRC+ (basically league-average performance), it was clear he wasn’t getting the opportunities he thought he deserved.
Now, Naquin will try to leave a strong impression in camp, but in an entirely different role.
He had some amazing moments in Cleveland, particularly in his rookie season.
Who is to say he can’t build more memories as a pitcher?
The organization won’t stand in his way. Quite the contrary, in fact.
He could turn out to be a decent project as a hurler.
NEXT: Guardians Announce Spring Breakout Roster
