Former Mlb Outfielder Tyler Naquin Says His Comeback Attempt As A Pitcher Started Last Year

As he begins his attempted comeback at a new position, Cleveland Guardians right-hander Tyler Naquin says his transition from playing outfield to pitching was over a year in the making.

Naquin, who played the outfield for four different major league teams from 2016-23, has signed a minor league contract with the Guardians in hopes of making it back to the big leagues as a pitcher. Naquin told reporters Friday that he started working out as a pitcher in January 2024.

"I was actually sitting in a parking lot with a buddy, he owns a gym down in College Station Texas," Naquin said. "I just looked at him and said, 'I think I'm going to pitch.' We went and picked up a glove and we started playing catch. It was as simple as that, to be honest with you."

That friend was Clay Tillman, who runs a sports performance center. He regularly played catch with Naquin and worked out a strength program for him.

The 33-year-old Naquin says he hasn't pitched in an actual game since throwing in a scrimmage while playing for Texas AM in 2010. He said he also pitched in high school, mostly closing but also starting a couple of games.