The Cleveland Guardians enjoyed some of Tyler Naquin’s best years as a hitter.
They took him in the first round of the 2012 MLB Draft, had him contributing when they made it to the World Series in 2016, and he was an integral part of their offense until 2020.
During the offseason, Naquin expressed his intention of making it as a pitcher, and the Guardians signed him to a minor league deal.
It has been a long process, but he is now on the Arizona Complex League roster, where he is showcasing his live arm and showing progress with each passing day.
Guardians Prospective posted a video of Naquin pitching and revealed some important details about his velocity and stat line.
“Cleveland Guardians RHP Tyler Naquin on the mound in the Arizona Complex League vs. the Cubs on Saturday. Naquin allowed one hit and one walk over a scoreless inning of work. Statcast has had his fastball up to 95.9 mph out at Goodyear,” it wrote on X.
Cleveland #Guardians RHP Tyler Naquin on the mound in the Arizona Complex League vs the Cubs on Saturday.
Naquin allowed one hit and one walk over a scoreless inning of work.
Statcast has had his fastball up to 95.9 mph out at Goodyear.
Video – TroyCollinsBaseballLife on… pic.twitter.com/sEvzS7uCsW
— Guardians Prospective (@CleGuardPro) May 19, 2025
As you can see, Naquin’s heater is nothing to sneeze at.
It’s hard to hit, let alone square up, a 96-mph fastball.
After a rough first outing when he allowed three runs on two hits and two walks while getting just two outs, the righty has settled in.
In three outings since, he has pitched 3.1 innings, surrendering one run on two hits and two walks with two strikeouts.
Step by step, little by little, Naquin is becoming comfortable with his mechanics and limiting walks and command issues.
That first game proved to be a learning experience.
With more practice and refinement, Naquin could become quite the success story if he makes it to the majors.
He knows that is unlikely to happen this year, so he needs to be patient and improve.
NEXT: Guardians' Top Starter Nearing Game Action In Tommy John Rehab
