Tyler

Naquin

That’s former Guardians’ outfielder Tyler Naquin, who is now attempting to convert to pitching full-time. Naquin didn’t play at all professionally in 2024 and feels his best shot at getting back to the big leagues is by moving to the bullpen. It’s an intriguing idea and we’ll be rooting for him, but he’s an extreme longshot to make an impact at the big league level during the 2025 season.

Naquin has been cut loose from Chicago’s active roster to make room for the organization to claim right-hander Alex Speas off waivers from the Rangers. The 32-year-old journeyman outfielder got into five games for the White Sox during the final week of the regular season, going hitless in eight at-bats.

Naquin, who was acquired in early August from the Brewers in a small trade, got into 105 games last year for the Mets and Reds, but has yet to appear in the majors this season. The 32-year-old veteran outfielder compiled a .725 OPS with nine homers and three steals in 68 games this season at the Triple-A level.

It’s a rare post non-waiver trade deadline deal as Naquin will head to the White Sox as extra outfield depth at Triple-A Charlotte. The 32-year-old journeyman failed to land a spot on Milwaukee’s season-opening roster and has posted a .766 OPS with six homers in 40 games this season in the minors. He appeared in 105 games last year between the Mets and Reds.

Naquin seemed like an easy call for the Brewers roster after Tyrone Taylor got hurt, but it looks like the team will go young with either Joey Wiemer or Sal Frelick instead. If only we knew which one they’d pick, that player would be a fun speculative pickup in all but the shallowest of leagues.

Hiura, who is out of options, will likely be traded before going on waivers. The 26-year-old was fairly productive in hitting .226/.316/.449 in 266 PA, but because of his 42% strikeout rate, the Brewers didn’t think that was sustainable. One imagines someone will want him. The Phillies could use him as a first baseman against left-handers (though his history of reverse splits makes him a poor bet in that role) or a non-contender such as the A’s or Rockies could try to rehabilitate his value.

Naquin sat out a couple spring training contests for the Brewers after experiencing left shoulder discomfort last weekend. He’s vying this spring for a spot on Milwaukee’s season-opening roster as a reserve outfielder.

Counsell noted that Naquin’s shoulder was just bugging him a bit, so there was no need to push him this early in the spring. The 31-year-old outfielder should be considered day-to-day and is likely to return to Cactus League action in the coming days.

Naquin is competing for a spot on Milwaukee’s season-opening roster as a reserve outfielder, so any missed time this spring is a big deal. Hopefully, it’s not a serious concern moving forward.

Counsell added that Taylor is in jeopardy of missing Opening Day, and could wind up starting the regular season on the injured list. His absence would open up a path for Brian Anderson to pick up some additional playing time in right field and could also help a non-roster invitee, most notably Tyler Naquin, make the season-opening roster.