Tyler Naquin has signed a minor league contract with the Cleveland Guardians, marking a significant career shift as he transitions from an outfielder to a right-handed pitcher. Previously playing in the majors from 2016 to 2023, Naquin's impressive arm strength, ranked in the top percentiles in 2021 and 2022, has drawn the Guardians' attention. Throughout his major league career, he accumulated a .263 batting average over 511 games. Though inexperienced on the mound, the Guardians are hopeful about his potential in this new role as he reports to spring training.
Tyler Naquin, once an outfielder, has signed a minor league contract with the Cleveland Guardians, who plan to transition him to pitching.
Naquin has a career batting average of .263 and played 511 regular-season games but will now work out as a right-handed pitcher.
Despite having never pitched in professional baseball, Naquin's arm strength was rated in the 94th to 98th percentile during his last two active seasons.
The Guardians aim to leverage Naquin’s strong arm as he transitions from the outfield to the pitcher’s mound after a stint with the White Sox.
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