The Cleveland Guardians recently announced a surprising minor league signing.
Tyler Naquin, a former outfielder in the organization, will try to make the switch to pitcher.
Even if things don’t work out as expected, there is no denying that Naquin has the physical tools to make a successful transition to the mound.
He displayed a potent, accurate throwing arm during his days in the outfield.
He recently faced the media and predictably got a lot of questions about his decision to become a hurler at this stage of his career and at 33 years old.
Surprisingly, he revealed his velocity readings and how he is trying to develop a wide array of pitches.
“Just got off the press conference call with Tyler Naquin … said he’s touched 97 (mph) and sits 94-96. Right now, he working on three pitches: 4-seamer, change and cutter. There’s no question the arm strength is there. This will be a good story to follow this season,” Al Pawlowski of WKYC wrote on X.
Just got off the press conference call with Tyler Naquin .. said he’s touched 97 and sits 94-96.
Right now, he working on 3 pitches, 4-seamer, change and cutter.
There’s no question the arm strength is there. This will be a good story to follow this season ⚾️
— Al Pawlowski (@AlPawlowski) March 7, 2025
The fastball velocity is very impressive, but there will be a better read of where he currently is at when he pitches in camp.
There is an important thing to keep in mind, something that might make or break Naquin’s career as a pitcher: control and command.
After years of playing the outfield, Naquin wasn’t required to be as precise as he will need to be when he takes the mound.
Walks often kill careers, and he will be required to hit his spots and keep his fastball and breaking pitches away from the fat part of the strike zone.
Those are the challenges ahead for Naquin as he tries to make it back to the majors in an entirely different role.
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