San Francisco Giants Bringing Two-Way Player To Camp

He was once a top first base prospect. But things can change over the course of five years. So much so, that Ronald Guzman is no longer only a first baseman. He's actually added 'pitcher' to his resume this offseason, and the San Franciso Giants have him listed on their Spring Training roster as both a 1B and a pitcher. 

They've even created a new "two-way player" category on their roster for him. 

The Giants released their list of NRIs and hell yeah, Dollar Tree Ohtani, let's freaking go. pic.twitter.com/AEHOj0dGJX

— Grant Brisbee (@GrantBrisbee) February 6, 2023

When he was signed last month by the Giants to a minor league deal, video emerged on social media of Guzman working on his left-handed delivery.  

Giants signed 1B/LHP Ronald Guzmán (28.2Y, 6'5" 225) to a minor league contract. 2011 IFA signing by TEX-D.R.
MLB: 832 PA, 84 DRC+.

Guzmán has worked to convert to pitching this winter. 94-96 FB w/ high spin SL, CH, decent feel. Don't know if Giants signed him as P or 1B. pic.twitter.com/TLmv1ROx1Q

— GPT (@giantsprospects) January 19, 2023

The 28-year-old was hitting 94-96 mph with his fastball.    

He came up with the Texas Rangers in 2018—as a hot-shot first base prospect—and batted .235 with a .722 OPS and 16 HR, including a 3-HR game against the New York Yankees. But his at-bats and production slipped more and more over the next few years. The Rangers let him go after the 2021 season. 

He'll now try to join some guy named Shohei Ohtani as the only other two-way player in baseball, and the Giants are giving him that chance. 

 Photo: Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports