Tyler Naquin Signs Minor League Deal, Aims to Return as Pitcher with Guardians

Tyler Naquin, a former major league outfielder, is making a surprising transition to pitching, signing a minor league contract with the Cleveland Guardians. This shift, which Naquin says has been over a year in the making, began in January 2024 when he decided to pursue pitching while playing catch with a friend. The 33-year-old has not pitched in a game since his college days at Texas A&M but has been training intensively, showcasing a fastball that reaches up to 97 mph. Naquin aims to leverage his strong throwing arm, which ranked in the top percentile among major league outfielders. His decision follows a trend in baseball where players have successfully transitioned from outfield to pitching, with the Guardians previously developing similar talent. The organization is optimistic about Naquin's potential, citing his athletic ability and the positive results from his recent training.