Guardians Gamble on Nolan Jones’ High-Stake Homecoming in Rockies Trade for Tyler Freeman

The Guardians are making some noise at the last minute of the spring training. While most teams are already setting up their projected lineup, the Guardians are looking to strengthen their roster further, just when the regular season is about to kick in. The newest addition to their roster is outfielder Nolan Jones, who was traded in from the Rockies in exchange for the infielder Tyler Freeman. So, how it is going to be a profitable venture for the Guardians to trade an infielder for an outfielder? What statement are they likely to make this year? Is there any wisdom to this late move?

Well, things worked both ways in this trade. How? The 26-year-old Freeman can fill in at center field and middle infield, providing the versatility the Rockies desperately need. Thairo Estrada, the player they signed to play at 2B, has a fractured right wrist and will be sidelined for nearly four to eight weeks. The 34-year-old veteran Kyle Farmer is set to lead at 2B but it might be not enough for him to go solo.

Now, with his spring performance of 2 homers at a .308, Freeman will come in handy for the Rockies to split second base. A safe way to go about things, it seems, presently. But what’s in it for the Guardians?

Well, the Guardians have offered an olive branch to Jones just based on his centerfield ability and 2023 stats. Remember that this is his second stint with the team since 2022. It would be interesting to check how the Guardians are going to leverage Jones, considering their outfield options; Cleveland has All-Star and three-time Gold Glove Award winner Steven Kwan in left field, Lane Thomas in center and the left-hander hitter Will Brennan and right-handed hitter Jhonkensy Noel in right.

Although Jones is coming off a tough 2024 season with the Rockies, he showed big-time power in ‘23, when he finished fourth in NL Rookie of the Year Award voting. It was an impressive season with 20 homers, 20 bases stolen, and 4.3 WAR in just 106 games, his 2024 stats went downhill only due to injuries – a low back strain that severely limited him to 79 games. So, how are the Guardians planning to make a breakthrough this year?

The Guardians are looking for a breakthrough in 2025

Well, 2024 was a year to cherish for the Guardians. They finished with a 92-69 record to win the AL Central, ultimately losing out to the Yankees in the AL Championship Series. This year, they have a solid core and a lineup worthy enough to make a deep run, particularly given the potential of its young players; Jones will now further add to this young core of the team. So, who will be the players to keep an eye on for the Guardians this year?

Jose Ramírez is one name to look out for. Last year, he amassed 29 home runs, 100 RBI, and 5.6 fWAR, to lead the charge. Expectedly, he will bring the same value this year. Remember Steven Kwan? He is projected to have 3.7 fWAR and 114 OPS+, this season. As per the ZiPS, he will pitch 160.1 innings in 29 starts this season with a 10-8 win-loss record, 3.48 ERA, and 2.7 fWAR. Well, that’s only a few have named. There are a few more like Juan Brito – who was traded in for second stint Jones in 2022 – and Bo Naylor to watch out for.

Nevertheless, while all these players are set to play for their staple positions, the Guardians need to be cautious enough to place Jones in the starting rotation this year. Do you think trading Freeman for Jones makes sense for the Guardians? Share your views with us below.