SCOTTSDALE, Ariz. – The Rockies acquired versatile middle-of-the-diamond player Tyler Freeman on Saturday from the Guardians, multiple Major League sources tell MLB.com, in exchange for a player they received from the same club in 2022: left fielder Nolan Jones .

The teams have not officially announced the deal.

Freeman, 26, can play the middle infield positions as well as center field, areas of need for the Rockies. The player the Rockies signed to play second base, Thairo Estrada, is out for 4-8 weeks with a fractured right wrist.

The right-handed hitting Freeman, batting .308 with two home runs in 15 Spring Training games, could work in a share of second base with Kyle Farmer, the 34-year-old veteran who was signed to make occasional starts. Farmer has also had a strong spring – hitting .333 after a single and a double in Sunday afternoon’s 10-4 win over the White Sox .

Freeman also is a versatile player who can play center field, meaning his presence could free up a roster spot. As the Rockies stand, Nick Martini, Jordan Beck, Sean Bouchard, Sam Hilliard and Jordan Beck (Rockies No. 8 prospect) are all competing to join two-time Gold Glove Award-winning center fielder Brenton Doyle. Hilliard is penciled in to occasionally spell Doyle in center.

However, Freeman’s addition could create a chain reaction that opens a spot for Zac Veen -- who on Friday was announced as the winner of the team’s annual Abby Greer Award, which goes to the camp most valuable player with a player development emphasis.

Freeman potentially could move around the infield and outfield until Estrada returns. By having him work in the infield and outfield, the Rockies could find a way for Veen – their top pick in the 2020 MLB Draft – to begin his Major League career and start games. Veen is batting .298 with a .375 on-base percentage, two home runs and nine stolen bases in 25 Cactus League games.

Jones, 26, debuted with Cleveland in 2022 but had a standout rookie year in ‘23 with the Rockies, hitting .297 with 20 home runs, 62 RBIs and 20 steals. Last season, however, he dealt with back and knee issues, played in just 79 games and struggled offensively with a .227 average, three homers and 28 RBIs.