Tyler

Freeman

Estrada figures to miss the first month of the season. He’ll probably reemerge as the Rockies’ primary second baseman after returning, but the newly acquired Tyler Freeman might have something to say about that. Of course, the Rockies could also shift Freeman to the outfield if they’d like.

Freeman, who was acquired from the Guardians for Nolan Jones on Friday, started at second base and batted leadoff for the Rockies on Sunday. He led off the game with a single off of Elvin Rodriguez, but wound up stranded at third base. Freeman then reached on a fielder’s choice in the eighth inning and swiped second base, but the Rockies couldn’t cash him in. He’s expected to see fairly regular action at second base for the Rockies with Thairo Estrada (wrist) sidelined.

Freeman will head to Colorado and likely get a chance to be an everyday player for the rebuilding Rockies. He’s capable of playing second base, and it’s worth noting that Thairo Estrada is going to be out for up to two months. Freeman doesn’t offer much power, but he showed a quality hit tool in the minors, and he’s capable of stealing bases with quality speed. He’s someone to keep an eye on; particularly in NL leagues.

Jones was scratched from Saturday’s lineup, and obviously it’s not injury-related. The 26-year-old was outstanding in 2023, but struggled mightily in 2024. It’s worth noting that the Guardians trades Jones to the Rockies, so it’s a reunion of sorts for the left-handed hitter. It’s more than fair to say that Jones takes a bit of a fantasy hit not playing in Coors Field for his home games, but at least he’ll play in a competent lineup against right-handed pitching. Freeman should get a chance to play regularly as well in the outfield, but is also capable of playing second base. He could be the early replacement for Thairo Estrada.

Both Arias and Tyler Freeman (triple, double, walk) had excellent days after the Guardians narrowed their infield competition by shipping out Juan Brito and Angel Martínez. Arias’s spot has long been assumed, since he’s out of options. It’s just a matter of whether he’ll get to start at second base or be more of a utilityman. Freeman has outproduced him this spring, posting a 1.080 OPS, and also seems like a great bet for the roster now. Arias has hit .256/.273/.412 in 44 plate appearances.

Freeman played center tonight, but it’s the starting job at second base that he’s competing for in Cleveland. He’s definitely helped his chances with a .313/.421/.656 line in 38 plate appearances. Fellow candidate Juan Brito hit his fourth homer tonight, but his .176/.222/.429 line pales in comparison to what Freeman is doing.

Daniel Schneemann also homered and tripled. Assuming that Gabriel Arias is a lock for the roster while being out of options, the Guardians have two spots open for Freeman, Schneeman, Juan Brito, Angel Martínez and Johnathan Rodriguez. Brito will probably only make it if he’s going to be the starter at second. Otherwise, the Guardians could mix and match there. Having started off 6-for-13 with four extra-base hits, Freeman is making his case for being part of the solution. It definitely helps his argument that he was competent in center field last season.

With Tyler Freeman sustaining an oblique injury, Martínez will be called up to take his place as a versatile bench option for the ALDS. The switch-hitter bated just .232/.298/.338 with three home runs and three steals in 43 games this season, but he can hit from both sides of the plate and play most positions around the field, which makes him a solid bench option for the Guardians.

Freeman finished the season in Triple-A, so it was a bit of a surprise that he made the ALDS roster over Angel Martínez; however, the injury will now rob him over the opportunity to play in a postseason game. Martínez will be added to take his place.

That leaves no room for Ben Lively. Cobb makes the team despite not having pitched since Sept. 1 due to a finger blister. We imagine he’ll start Game 3 over Cantillo, but we’ll see. The other mild surprise here is that utilityman Tyler Freeman, who finished the season in Triple-A, has made the roster over Angel Martínez.