Tyler Freeman To Try New Position For Guardians In Spring Training

The Cleveland Guardians will try playing Tyler Freeman in center field during spring training.

The Cleveland Guardians need more offense. The Guardians are also looking for more production from the outfield core. Neither of these points is breaking news as spring training marches on, but it does affect the different lineups and defensive alignments we may see in the exhibition games. 

One player who will see time at multiple different positions is Tyler Freeman. 

Freeman came up through Cleveland's organization as a third baseman and middle infielder. However, José Ramírez has third locked down and the shortstop battle appears to be between Brayan Rocchio and Gabriel Arias.

Tyler's bat could still be a valuable piece to the Guardians though. He hit .243/.302/.339 in inconsistent playing time last season and still has the potential to be a solid contact hitter.

Where could Freeman play though with the the infield position battle taking place? The occasional game at third, short, or second isn't out of the question. He's starting at third base on Sunday afternoon. 

However, the Guardians will try playing Freeman in the outfield. Specifically, some time in center field. 

Stephen Vogt stressed to the young players at the start of spring training just how important defensive versatility is if they want to get playing time. Freeman playing outfield is a tremendous example of this.

Mar 6, 2023; Tempe, Arizona, USA; Cleveland Guardians second baseman Tyler Freeman (2) makes the play for an out against the Los Angeles Angels in the first inning at Tempe Diablo Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Rick Scuteri-USA TODAY Sports / © Rick Scuteri-USA TODAY Sports

The Bally Sports broadcast crew was also talking about Freeman on Saturday and mentioned that Freeman prefers center out of all of the outfield positions because he used to track the ball up the middle of the field because of his roots at shortstop and second.

At this point, the Guardians will get their offensive production from anywhere they can get it. Moving someone such as Freeman to the outfield may be the best for him to get more at-bats and for the team to have more offense in the lineup.