### Tyler Naquin's Unconventional Comeback: From Outfielder to Pitcher - Tyler Naquin, a former outfielder with the Cleveland Guardians, has signed a minor league contract to attempt a comeback as a pitcher. This marks a significant shift in his career, as he has spent the last eight seasons in the major leagues primarily as an outfielder. Naquin's last appearance in the majors was in 2023, and he did not play in 2024, making this transition particularly noteworthy as he seeks to revive his professional baseball career [https://www.reuters.com/sports/ex-of-tyler-naquin-attempting-make-guardians-pitcher-2025-03-07]. ### Structure of Naquin's Transition to Pitching 1. **Background of Naquin's Career** - Naquin played for the Guardians from 2016 to 2020, showcasing his skills as a defensive outfielder with a strong arm and speed. He was a finalist for the AL Rookie of the Year in 2016, hitting .296 with 14 home runs [https://www.yardbarker.com/mlb/articles/ex_of_tyler_naquin_attempting_to_make_guardians_as_pitcher/s1_17044_41864891]. 2. **Details of the Contract and Training** - The Guardians have signed Naquin to a minor league deal, and he will report to spring training in Goodyear, Arizona, to begin his training as a right-handed pitcher [https://www.apnews.com/article/naquin-guardians-4fc37604dbc552005c7e09a9dd53cf38]. 3. **Naquin's Pitching Aspirations** - Naquin has expressed that his desire to pitch has been developing over the past year. He aims to leverage his strong arm, which has been noted for its velocity, to succeed in this new role [https://www.newsday.com/sports/baseball/cleveland-guardians-naquin-w33810]. 4. **Expert Opinions and Predictions** - Analysts and commentators are discussing Naquin's potential to benefit from the Guardians' reputation as a "pitching factory," which has successfully transformed players into effective pitchers in the past [https://www.cleveland.com/guardians/2025/03/can-another-ex-outfielder-benefit-from-the-guardians-pitching-factory-podcast.html]. ### Evidence Supporting Naquin's Transition - **Career Statistics**: - Naquin has a career batting average of .263 with 61 home runs and 237 RBIs over 562 games. His defensive skills are highlighted by 32 career outfield assists, showcasing his arm strength [https://www.cbssports.com/mlb/news/guardians-sign-tyler-naquin-as-a-pitcher-after-eight-years-as-a-major-league-outfielder]. - **Pitching Potential**: - Naquin's throws have averaged just shy of 93 MPH, indicating that he possesses the arm strength necessary for pitching. If he can enhance this velocity, he may have a viable chance at succeeding in this new role [https://www.yardbarker.com/mlb/articles/former_rookie_of_the_year_finalist_making_mlb_comeback_as_a_pitcher/s1_127_41864139]. ### Conclusion: Naquin's Journey from Outfield to Mound - **Key Takeaways**: 1. Tyler Naquin is attempting a unique career shift from outfielder to pitcher with the Cleveland Guardians, marking a significant change after eight years in the majors. 2. His strong arm and previous experience in the outfield may provide a foundation for his new role on the mound. 3. The Guardians' history of developing pitchers could play a crucial role in Naquin's potential success as he embarks on this unconventional path [https://www.espn.com/mlb/story/_/id/44141172/ex-outfielder-tyler-naquin-signs-guardians-pitcher]. This transition not only highlights Naquin's determination but also reflects the evolving nature of player roles in professional baseball.