The Guardians announced that they have signed Tyler Naquin to a minor league contract, but that the longtime big league outfielder is attempting to move to the mound and is reporting as a right-handed pitcher.
Naquin, 34 in April, appeared in each big league season from 2016 to 2023. Most of that was with Cleveland, though he later went to the Reds, Mets and White Sox. Over those eight seasons, he got into 562 games, hitting 61 home runs and slashing .263/.316/.445 for a 101 wRC+. He spent most of 2023 in the minors, getting into just five big league games for the White Sox as the season was winding down. He didn’t sign anywhere for the 2024 campaign.
With his career as an outfielder seemingly stalled out, Naquin will try a late-career move to the mound. It’s a tough trick to pull off, but the Guardians have had one other such convert in the system in recent years. Anthony Gose is also an outfielder-turned-pitcher. He saw some action for the Guardians over the 2021-24 stretch, missing 2023 while recovering from Tommy John surgery. He was outrighted off the roster in September and is now with the Mets on a minor league deal.
Naquin’s arm strength was an asset during his career. In 2020, when Statcast first started ranking arm strength, Naquin ranked in the 99th percentile. He dropped to the 98th and 94th percentile respectively over the next two seasons, but still quite a respectable position. He had 32 outfield assists in his career.
Whether he can harness that into effective results on the mound is anyone’s guess. For the Guardians, there’s no harm in bringing him aboard via a minor league deal to see how it goes. For the fans, it’s a fun and unique story involving a familiar face.
Anthony Gose 2.0
Na he was more successful as an outfielder than Gose. I’d say it is more like Jason Lane.
Seems Naquil would be the natural choice to close out the nightcap of a twin bill. Sleepytime
If they ever bring back player’s weekend and have nicknames on the back. He could put ZzzQuil on his. Like Brad Boxburger had a box and a burger emoji on his jersey.
Emoji only on Yankee jerseys! Who says no?
Everyone but Manfred. Unfortunately he would have the final say. He would ruin Yankees tradition and have them put something other than numbers on the back.
To solve that. Players weekend for the Yankees has to be on the road.
Now, if he can pitch and catch the same ball, then that would be something.
It’s been done before.
youtube.com/watch?v=6cgzfM27Lm0
The GOAT
The versatile Tyler Naquin indeed
Good luck Tyler. Usually doesn’t happen in your 30s but rooting for you.
Go get ‘um, Tyler! As a former SS prospect that tried the same conversion to the mound, I’m rooting for you!
The Indians are essentially optimizing a resource, rather than discarding it.
He was already discarded by the former tribe a few years ago.
Reminds me of a reverse Rick Ankiel.
How much does he get paid on a minor league contract?
Not that much unless he makes the majors. If he makes the majors it would probably be the minimum 700k or so. Some guys on minor league deals have it so they get paid a couple million if they make the majors
This is great. Longshot but I hope he makes it!
That was not on my bingo card
Differs strikingly in mindset from Adam Duvall. They ripped the uniform off of him and he still won’t go away.
Nice to have another pinch-hitter available too…
“Trans” players….Pffft ‘25 what a year….HA lol