Reds' 2021 standout attempting MLB comeback in the most bizarre way possible

Former Cincinnati Reds outfielder Tyler Naquin is attempting to make a comeback. The Reds' 2021 standout signed on with his former club, the Cleveland Guardians, and reported to the team facility Goodyear, Arizona this week.

Except Naquin isn't planning to play on the outfield grass. According to FanSided's Robert Murray, Naquin will instead enter spring training as a pitcher. Naquin has never stepped onto a major league mound in his life, not even for mop-up duty late in a game that's already well out of hand.

Former Reds OF Tyler Naquin attempting MLB comeback in the most bizarre way possible

Naquin landed in Cincinnati back in 2021. The former first-round pick was cut by the Guardians after the 2020 season and signed a minor-league deal with the Reds the following spring. Naquin impressed the coaching staff during spring training and was named to the Reds Opening Day roster.

Naquin had quite the run with the Reds during his first year in the Queen City. Nick Senzel's constant presence on the injured list allowed Naquin to get consistent at-bats as the Reds starting centerfielder. Flanked by Nick Castellanos and Jesse Winker, the Reds had quite the power-packed outfield that season. Naquin finished the 2021 season with a career-best .809 OPS and 19 home runs.

But the Reds tore down the roster during the offseason. Cincinnati traded Winker and allowed Castellanos to leave via free agency. The Reds also waved goodbye to Eugenio Suárez and Sonny Gray. Despite the subtractions, however, Cincinnati hung on to Naquin and he was named the Reds' 2022 Opening Day right fielder.

Naquin battled injuries throughout the 2022 season, but was able to remain healthy enough to garner some attention near the MLB trade deadline. The New York Mets sent two relatively unknown prospects to the Reds in exchange for Naquin's services. The Reds may have made out as clear winners in that deal. Cincinnati acquired Jose Acuña and Hector Rodriguez (both of whom are talented prospects in the Reds farm system) in exchange for Naquin.

Naquin last played for the Chicago White Sox in 2023, but only managed to get into five games and failed to record a hit. The 33-year-old did not play professionally last season, so it's safe to assume that he decided to switch from the outfield to the mound and has been honing his craft for the last year-plus. Reds fans saw former first-round pick Alex Blandino attempt the same thing last season.

Obviously Reds Country wishes Naquin nothing but the best. Cincinnati still has two spring games remaining against Cleveland, so fans could get a look at Naquin on the mound before the Reds leave Goodyear later this month.

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