Rockies Trade Nolan Jones to Guardians for Tyler Freeman, Option Zac Veen to Triple-A Despite Strong Spring

In a surprising move just days before the start of the 2025 Major League Baseball season, the Colorado Rockies traded outfielder Nolan Jones back to the Cleveland Guardians in exchange for versatile infielder/outfielder Tyler Freeman on Saturday, March 22. Following the trade, the Rockies also announced that top prospect Zac Veen, who had an impressive spring training, has been optioned to Triple-A Albuquerque, raising eyebrows among fans and analysts alike.

The Trade: Jones Returns to Cleveland

Nolan Jones, 26, is heading back to the team that drafted him in the second round of the 2016 MLB Draft. Jones originally joined the Rockies in November 2022 via a trade with the Guardians that sent infielder Juan Brito to Cleveland. After a standout rookie season in 2023—where he hit .297 with 20 home runs, 62 RBIs, and 20 stolen bases in 106 games, finishing fourth in NL Rookie of the Year voting—Jones struggled in 2024. Limited to 79 games due to back and knee injuries, he posted a .227 average with just three homers and 28 RBIs. Despite showing signs of recovery this spring, the Rockies decided to move on.

In return, Colorado acquires Tyler Freeman, a 25-year-old utility player known for his positional flexibility. Freeman, who debuted with the Guardians in 2022, hit .209 with seven home runs, 32 RBIs, and 11 stolen bases in 118 games last season, splitting time between center field and various infield roles. His acquisition comes on the heels of second baseman Thairo Estrada’s broken wrist, which will sideline him for 4-8 weeks, creating an immediate need for infield depth. Freeman is expected to compete for playing time at second base alongside veteran Kyle Farmer while also providing outfield versatility.

Jones expressed excitement about returning to Cleveland, telling MLB.com, “I spent my first seven years in professional baseball with the Cleveland Guardians organization, and created a lot of lifelong friendships, and people I considered family. To be heading back there is super exciting for me.”

Zac Veen’s Spring Success Ends in Triple-A Assignment

Adding intrigue to the roster shakeup, the Rockies optioned outfielder Zac Veen, their No. 8 prospect and the 2020 first-round pick, to Triple-A despite a stellar spring performance. Veen, 23, earned the Abby Greer Award as the Rockies’ Spring Training MVP, hitting .298 with 11 RBIs, nine stolen bases, and an .884 OPS over the Cactus League slate. Many speculated that the Jones trade signaled Veen’s imminent promotion to the majors, potentially joining Gold Glove center fielder Brenton Doyle and other outfield contenders like Jordan Beck and Sean Bouchard on the Opening Day roster.

However, the Rockies’ front office opted to send Veen to Albuquerque, a decision that suggests a focus on further development rather than an immediate big-league debut. Veen’s spring showcased his speed and potential, but with a crowded outfield picture—including Doyle, Bouchard, Sam Hilliard, and Nick Martini, alongside Freeman’s ability to play center—the team may feel he needs more seasoning. The move leaves open questions about Colorado’s long-term outfield plans, especially with other prospects like Yanquiel Fernandez also nearing MLB readiness.

What It Means for the Rockies

The trade and Veen’s optioning reflect a Rockies team in transition as they prepare to open the season against the Tampa Bay Rays on Friday. Freeman’s versatility addresses an immediate need, but his modest offensive track record (.223 career average, 83 wRC+) raises doubts about whether he’s a significant upgrade over Jones, who flashed elite potential in 2023. Critics of the deal argue that Colorado sold low on Jones, whose injury-plagued 2024 could be an anomaly rather than a trend.

Meanwhile, Veen’s assignment to Triple-A suggests the Rockies are prioritizing depth and patience with their prospects, even at the cost of fan excitement. With Opening Day looming, the Rockies’ outfield will likely feature Doyle in center, flanked by some combination of Bouchard, Hilliard, and Martini, while Freeman slots into the infield mix. How this reshuffled roster performs early in 2025 will test the wisdom of these late-spring decisions.

For the Guardians, Jones’ return offers a chance to reclaim a player with proven upside, potentially solidifying their outfield alongside Steven Kwan and Lane Thomas. For Rockies fans, it’s a bittersweet moment—losing a former rookie standout and delaying the debut of a promising prospect, all while hoping Freeman can stabilize a roster in flux.