Rise to Success: Career Highlights of Tyler Naquin
How Tyler Naquin built a successful career. Explore key moments that defined the journey.
Tyler Naquin is an American professional baseball player, who transitioned from outfielder to pitcher in 2025. He currently plays in the Cleveland Guardians organization and has previously played in MLB for the Cleveland Indians/Guardians, Cincinnati Reds, New York Mets, and Chicago White Sox. Naquin debuted in MLB in 2016 after playing college baseball for the Texas A&M Aggies. His career includes time as an outfielder before converting to a pitcher.
2009: Drafted by the Orioles
In 2009, Tyler Naquin was selected by the Baltimore Orioles in the 33rd round of the Major League Baseball draft but chose to attend Texas A&M instead.
2012: Drafted by the Cleveland Indians
In 2012, Tyler Naquin was drafted by the Cleveland Indians in the first round as the 15th overall pick and made his professional debut with the Mahoning Valley Scrappers.
2013: Played for Carolina and Akron
In 2013, Naquin played for the Carolina Mudcats and the Akron Aeros, achieving a combined batting average of .269. After the season, he participated in the Arizona Fall League and the Fall Stars Game.
2015: Promotion to Columbus
In 2015, Naquin was promoted to the Columbus Clippers but faced limitations due to a concussion and hip soreness. He was added to the Indians' 40-man roster after the season.
2016: MLB Debut
In 2016, Tyler Naquin made his Major League Baseball (MLB) debut.
2018: Played in 61 Games
In 2018, Naquin played in 61 games for the Indians, hitting .264/.295/.356.
2019: Played in 89 Games
In 2019, Naquin played in 89 games for Cleveland, achieving a batting average of .288.
December 2, 2020: Free Agency
On December 2, 2020, Naquin was not tendered a contract by the Cleveland Indians, making him a free agent.
February 18, 2021: Signed with Cincinnati Reds
On February 18, 2021, Naquin signed a minor league contract with the Cincinnati Reds.
March 29, 2021: Selected to 40-man Roster
On March 29, 2021, Tyler Naquin was selected to the Cincinnati Reds' 40-man roster.
2021: Played with Cincinnati
In 2021, Naquin appeared in 127 games with Cincinnati, achieving a .270 batting average.
July 28, 2022: Traded to the New York Mets
On July 28, 2022, Naquin was traded to the New York Mets from the Cincinnati Reds.
2022: Played in 56 Games for Cincinnati
In 2022, Naquin played in 56 games for Cincinnati, posting a .246/.305/.444 batting line.
February 21, 2023: Signed with Milwaukee Brewers
On February 21, 2023, Naquin signed a minor league contract with the Milwaukee Brewers.
August 7, 2023: Traded to Chicago White Sox
On August 7, 2023, Naquin was traded to the Chicago White Sox.
September 26, 2023: Contract selected by White Sox
On September 26, 2023, the White Sox selected Naquin's contract to the major league roster.
March 6, 2025: Signed with Cleveland Guardians
On March 6, 2025, Tyler Naquin signed a minor league contract with the Cleveland Guardians.
2025: Transition to Pitcher
Prior to the 2025 season, Tyler Naquin transitioned to a pitcher.
