The Cleveland Guardians announced, on Saturday evening, the re-acquisition of outfielder Nolan Jones.
They had traded Jones in late 2022 for infield prospect Juan Brito.
Now, the Guardians are sending Tyler Freeman to the Colorado Rockies to get Jones back.
Jones will get the majority of playing time against right-handed pitchers this year, forcing Will Brennan out of the equation.
As for Freeman, he was vying for the second base gig in Cleveland.
Now he is going to Colorado, where he should play more often.
Freeman’s offensive upside was, and is, limited.
However, he always wore the Guardians uniform with pride and dignity.
The team made sure to bid farewell on social media, thanking him for his contributions over the years.
“Thank you for everything, Tyler, and best of luck in Denver,” the Guardians wrote on X.
Thank you for everything, Tyler, and best of luck in Denver.#GuardsBall pic.twitter.com/OKWk0gTpEy
— Cleveland Guardians (@CleGuardians) March 22, 2025
Freeman is young and controllable, at 25 years old.
He will be a solid piece for the Rockies.
Last year, he was given the chance to be the Guardians’ center fielder, and while he adapted well defensively, his .626 OPS didn’t justify an everyday gig.
This offseason, Freeman worked hard to add strength and muscle to his frame, which will surely help him thrive in Colorado.
If he could be just a league-average hitter, his defensive versatility could make him a solid super-utility guy who accumulates games and innings all over the field.
He has been enjoying an excellent spring, with a 1.080 OPS in Cactus League play and should get an expanded role in Colorado.
Now, the Guardians are expected to choose one of Gabriel Arias and Daniel Schneemann to be their second baseman.
NEXT: Guardians Shockingly Re-Acquire Former Outfielder
