NOLAN JONES FOR TYLER FREEMAN
The Cleveland Guardians acquired outfielder Nolan Jones from the Colorado Rockies for outfielder/infielder Tyler Freeman.
What does it give the Cleveland Guardians
In Jones, the Guardians add a power/speed threat to their outfield. The 26-year-old broke out with 20-plus home runs and 20-plus stolen bases in 2023, but followed that up with a disappointing 2024 campaign that was derailed by injuries. He will not have an easy path to playing time in Cleveland (who originally drafted Jones in 2016), but he could find his game again starting out in a platoon or bench role. Did Colorado let him go too quickly?
What does it give the Colorado Rockies
The Rockies will move on from Jones after his down campaign in 2024, bringing in Freeman instead. As a utility player and a better defender, Freeman gives the Colorado roster some versatility. His career slash line of .223/.304/.329 is not too promising, but he has some speed and might get a chance to prove himself with more consistent playing time. Even so, this trade is a difficult one to justify for the Rockies due to Jones' untapped potential.
Fantasy impact
Though Jones could be due for a bounce-back season, his move away from Coors Field and to a deeper Cleveland lineup will hurt his fantasy potential. Wait and see how he starts the 2025 season. As for Freeman, he will not likely produce enough to be rostered in many fantasy formats.
