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.