Back in the offseason, the Cleveland Guardians announced that former outfielder Tyler Naquin, who had a stint with the team from 2016 to 2020, would be transitioning to become a pitcher, and that the organization would give him his first chance.
Naquin spent a lot of work in the offseason improving his stuff, command, and getting familiar with the science of pitching.
At 34, he knew that it wasn’t going to be an easy task, but he gave it a go anyway.
On Wednesday, Naquin made his professional debut in the rookie-level Arizona Complex League.
It’s fair to say it didn’t go well.
“Cleveland #Guardians RHP Tyler Naquin’s debut on the mound didn’t go quite so well tonight in the Arizona Complex League vs the Rockies. In two-thirds of an inning, Naquin allowed three runs on two hits and a pair of walks. He was charged with a pair of balks as well. Line – 0.2(IP) 2H 3R 3ER 2BB 0SO,” Guardians Prospective posted on X.
Cleveland #Guardians RHP Tyler Naquin's debut on the mound didn't go quite so well tonight in the Arizona Complex League vs the Rockies.
In two-thirds of an inning Naquin allowed three runs on two hits and a pair of walks. He was charged with a pair of balks as well.
Line -…
— Guardians Prospective (@CleGuardPro) May 8, 2025
Maybe he was nervous about his professional debut as a pitcher, or maybe his control and command are still very raw, but Naquin couldn’t get the ball in the zone and struggled with his mechanics and timing, evidenced by the balks.
He also couldn’t strike anyone out.
It’s unfair to draw any conclusions from this outing, though.
It’s his first game as a professional pitcher.
If anything, this should make him work harder to achieve his goal.
The physical tools and the arm strength are there, but he needs to harness his stuff if he wants to have a fruitful career on the mound.
It’s not easy, but it’s definitely not impossible.
NEXT: Guardians Infielder Has Big Game On Wednesday
