This Rockies breakout outfielder could quietly become the Reds’ top trade target

In 2022 and 2023, Tyler Freeman appeared in 88 games for the Cleveland Guardians, and quickly endeared himself to manager Terry Francona thanks to his contact-based approach at the plate and positional versatility. Could there be a chance those traits result in Freeman joining the Cincinnati Reds this season?

It’s no secret that the Reds could use some outfield help. Freeman would provide that and then some. The 26-year-old has hit .316/.413/.421 for the Colorado Rockies this season after being acquired from the Guardians at the end of the spring training.

Freeman’s bat has been even hotter of late, hitting .363 since May 28 while primarily playing right field in Colorado. In comparison, Reds right fielders have hit just .212 in that span and have combined for a wRC+ of 61, which is the second-worst mark in baseball across that time period. While Freeman won’t fix all the Reds’ offensive struggles, he could help to add some length and versatility to their lineup.

Rockies outfielder Tyler Freeman could quietly become the Reds’ top target at the MLB trade deadline

After coming up as an infielder, Freeman began learning the ropes in the outfield in 2023 before essentially taking on the role full-time in 2024. The Guardians elected to trade Freeman to the Rockies in exchange for Nolan Jones before the start of the 2025 season, and the trade has worked out well for both sides.

While Freeman won’t be eligible for free agency until 2029, the Rockies are on pace to be one of the worst teams in MLB history, and should be doing everything in their power to try to recoup as many assets as possible before July 31.

It’s not hard to imagine how Freeman could help the Reds’ roster. Along with providing help in right field (and the outfield as a whole), he could slot into the utility role that’s currently occupied by Rece Hinds or (when healthy) Connor Joe — neither of whom are playing exceptionally well.

The Reds are picking things up after an early-season swoon, which should hopefully lead to Nick Krall and the front office being aggressive in the hopes of capitalizing on another strong season from Elly De La Cruz. Going after Freeman would help them do that.

More Cincinnati Reds News and Rumors