Tyler Freeman

Freeman spent spring training auditioning to break camp as the Guardians starting shortstop or center fielder, winning the job as the latter. He played regularly for the first three months, posting a .631 OPS, then began losing playing time in July. Declining action escalated until Freeman was sent to Triple-A in mid-September. Freeman provided plus defense in center field, but after acquiring Lane Thomas and the emergence of Jhonkensy Noel, Freeman became an expendable spare part. His strikeout rate is excellent in the 93rd percentile, but Freeman's quality of contact is poor, and last season's 38 percent fly ball rate was ill timed with the dead baseball. Freeman is best suited as a reserve, able to play in the infield and outfield. There's some AL-only value there, but even if he garners multiple eligibility, Freeman doesn't make the mixed league cut. Read Past Outlooks