It’s rare for a team to trade a player away only to reacquire them three years later. In 2022, the Cleveland Guardians sent outfielder Nolan Jones to the Colorado Rockies in exchange for minor leaguer Juan Brito. Now, 858 days later, Jones is returning to Cleveland. In this deal, the Guardians are sending infielder Tyler Freeman to the Rockies. According to sources from ESPN, Freeman is expected to see significant playing time in Colorado, while Jones, who originally came up through Cleveland’s system, is set for a second stint with the team.
Jones, originally selected by the Guardians in the second round of the 2016 draft, spent five seasons developing in their farm system before making his MLB debut on July 8, 2022. That season, he played in 28 games, posting a .244/.309/.372 slash line. In November, Cleveland traded him to the Rockies, where he went on to have a breakout season.
In 2023, Jones had an impressive season, posting a 4.3 bWAR and a 140 OPS+. He hit .297/.389/.542 with 20 home runs, 62 RBIs, and 20 stolen bases while drawing 53 walks. However, last season, he struggled significantly, finishing with a -0.7 bWAR and a 75 OPS+, meaning he performed 25% below the league average. In 79 games, he slashed .227/.321/.320. Now back in Cleveland, he hopes to regain his 2023 form.
Meanwhile, Freeman is coming off a career year as the Guardians’ primary center fielder. He played 97 games in center and 24 in the infield. Despite a tough offensive season—hitting .209/.305/.321 with a 79 OPS+—he still managed a positive 0.9 bWAR. The Guardians will begin their AL Central title defense on Opening Day, March 27, against the Kansas City Royals.
