Tyler Freeman Makes Good First Impression As Guardians' Center Fielder
The Cleveland Guardians continue to look for someone who can play the outfield and be a productive bat in the lineup. Stephen Vogt and the coaching staff are also eager to find more opportunities for Tyler Freeman.
And just like that, Freeman found himself playing a new position.
The once-middle infielder has never played any other position outside of the diamond. Freeman made his center field debut in Cleveland's spring training matchup with the Arizona Diamondbacks and he made a positive first impression.
It didn't take long for Freeman to see some actions out there. He was tasked with tracking a high fly ball hit by Emmanuel Rivera just four pitches into the game. To Tyler's credit, he did a tremendous job following the ball off the bat and recorded the bat.
Freeman threw the ball back into the infield with a massive smile on his face almost as if to say, "Of course, that ball was hit to me."
Feb 26, 2024; Peoria, Arizona, USA; Cleveland Guardians third baseman Tyler Freeman (2) throws to first base in the third inning against the San Diego Padres during a spring training game at Peoria Sports Complex. Mandatory Credit: Matt Kartozian-USA TODAY Sports
© Matt Kartozian-USA TODAY Sports
Vogt was encouraged by what he saw from Freeman in this new role. The Guardians' manager talked about his performance after the game.
"Ball always finds the new guy right? It just always happens that way," joked Vogt. "But he made a couple of nice plays out there, threw behind the runner, and did exactly what we wanted him to. He looked really good out there."
Playing the outfield is something that Freeman has been working on for a while. He was out at the Goodyear Development Complex in the middle of December working with JT Maguire. Vogt also mentioned Freeman would get playing time in the outfield earlier in spring training.
Will the position stick? Only time will tell. However, this small sample size at least proves Freeman playing the outfield is an option they should continue to pursue.
