In a surprising and exciting turn of events, Tyler Naquin has returned to the Cleveland Guardians organization, but this time, he’s taking on a whole new role. The 33-year-old former outfielder has signed a Minor League deal with Cleveland and will report to Minor League camp as a pitcher.
This unique transition marks a significant moment in Naquin’s career, as he attempts to leverage his impressive arm strength in a new way on the mound. The Guardians, who are familiar with Naquin’s athleticism and potential, are eager to see how this experiment unfolds.
Tyler Naquin’s Journey: From Outfielder to Pitcher
Tyler Naquin’s career in Major League Baseball has been marked by his impressive arm strength and defensive prowess as an outfielder. Over eight seasons, Naquin played for several teams, including a five-year stint with the Cleveland Guardians, formerly known as the Cleveland Indians, from 2016 to 2020. He also had notable stints with the Cincinnati Reds, New York Mets, and Chicago White Sox.
Arm Strength and Outfield Assists
One of Naquin’s standout attributes has always been his arm strength. He consistently ranked among the league leaders in arm strength among outfielders.
Here are some of his impressive statistics:
- 2020: 93.0 mph average (fourth); 96.7 mph max
- 2021: 92.6 mph average (tied for ninth); 98.3 mph max
- 2022: 92.8 mph average (tied for 22nd); 95.6 mph max
Even in 2023, during a brief five-game stint with the Chicago White Sox, Naquin’s arm strength averaged 91.8 mph. His ability to make strong and accurate throws from the outfield has earned him 32 career outfield assists, including an American League-leading nine in 2019.
The Decision to Transition to Pitching
The decision for Naquin to transition to pitching came from his own interest in exploring what pitching would look like for him. According to Stephen Osterer, the Guardians’ VP of player development, the reports on Naquin’s pitching potential were promising.
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Osterer mentioned that Naquin was throwing hard and creating interesting shapes with his pitches.
Familiarity with the Guardians Organization
Naquin’s familiarity with the Guardians organization played a significant role in this decision. The team knows him well and believes in his potential as a pitcher.
This familiarity, combined with the excitement surrounding his arm strength and athleticism, made the transition an intriguing opportunity for both Naquin and the Guardians.
Osterer emphasized that Naquin has been putting in consistent work over the last month and a half, throwing a bunch of bullpens. This preparation means that Naquin is not starting from scratch and can hit the ground running in his new role.
What Lies Ahead for Naquin
It is still too early to determine whether Naquin will be working as a starter or reliever. The Guardians are keen to evaluate his performance and see what role suits him best.
They have some experience with position players transitioning to pitching, as evidenced by Anthony Gose’s journey.
Gose made 31 appearances for Cleveland from 2021 to 2024, including three last season, after debuting as a pitcher in 2017 following a career as a position player.
Potential and Expectations
Naquin’s transition to pitching is filled with potential and excitement. His strong arm, combined with his athleticism, makes him an intriguing candidate for this new role.
The Guardians are hopeful that Naquin can make a successful transition, much like Anthony Gose did. They are eager to see how Naquin’s pitching develops and what kind of impact he can make on the mound.
Conclusion
Tyler Naquin’s return to the Cleveland Guardians organization as a pitcher is a fascinating development in Major League Baseball.
His impressive arm strength and defensive skills as an outfielder have laid a strong foundation for his transition to the mound.
With the support and familiarity of the Guardians organization, Naquin is well-positioned to make a successful transition to pitching.
The journey ahead will undoubtedly be challenging, but Naquin’s dedication and athleticism give him a real shot at success.
As he continues to work on his pitching, the baseball world will be eagerly anticipating his progress and potential impact on the field.
For more details on Tyler Naquin’s signing with the Guardians and his transition to pitching, you can read the full article on MLB.com using this link.
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