Nolan Jones is going back to where his career began. In a surprising move, the Colorado Rockies traded Jones to the Cleveland Guardians for utility player Tyler Freeman, per multiple sources. The young outfielder spent 2023-24 with Colorado after a brief stint with the Guardians in 2022. Two years later, the two sides have reunited on a deal involving Jones again. Both Freeman and Jones struggled last season for their respective clubs and might benefit from a change of scenery.
The Colorado Rockies announced today that they have acquired infielder/outfielder Tyler Freeman via trade with the Cleveland Guardians in exchange for outfielder Nolan Jones. pic.twitter.com/MA7aZEz4ns
— Rockies Club Information (@RockiesClubInfo) March 22, 2025
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Jones Struggled in 2024
Jones appeared to be a boon for the Rockies when they acquired him for little before the 2023 season. Paired with star center fielder Brenton Doyle in the outfield, the Rockies had one of the best defensive outfields in the sport. Combined with his 100th-percentile arm per Statcast, Jones was excellent offensively in 2023. Over 367 at-bats, Jones hit .297/.389/.542 with a stellar 62 RBI. He also recorded a 20/20 season for Colorado with 20 homers and 20 steals. Going into 2024, Jones was one of the most intriguing Rockies to follow. However, he suffered a steep drop-off.
Jones struggled mightily to begin the season and never recovered. He dealt with various injuries and never saw a sustained stretch of consistent play. Over 256 at-bats, Jones hit just .227/.321/.320 with only three homers, 28 RBI, and five steals. Per Statcast, his xwOBA and barrel% dropped from .362 and 15.7% in 2023 to .287 and 5.9%, respectively.
Trade Is a Perplexing Move by Colorado
The trade seemingly came out of nowhere, as there were no trade rumors for Jones. Considering he is still only 26, the thinking was that the Rockies would count on him, resembling his strong 2023 after a down 2024. However, the Rockies had seen all they needed to see and traded Jones back to Cleveland just under a week before the regular season began. In 47 at-bats in Cactus League play, Jones has hit .234/.280/.298 with zero homers and seven RBI.
While Doyle has the center field position locked down for years to come, a corner outfield spot is now up for grabs. Prized prospect Zac Veen, who has had a stellar spring, could now be a major candidate to fill that role. Outfielders Sean Bouchard and Jordan Beck also saw time in the corner outfield spots last season.
Over 330 at-bats in 2024, Freeman hit .209/.305/.321 with 32 RBI and seven home runs. He primarily played in center but also saw time in the infield. While the Rockies have several candidates to fill roles in the outfield, newly signed second baseman Thairo Estrada suffered a wrist fracture that will leave him out for four to eight weeks. While veteran infielder Kyle Farmer was mentioned as a potential replacement, Freeman could also now be in play. It will be interesting to see what Colorado has planned for their new addition. Meanwhile, Jones will look to regain his 2023 form in his old stomping grounds.
Main Photo Credits: Rick Scuteri-Imagn Images
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