Tyler Cleveland, a former Sheridan Yellowjacket and standout pitcher at the University of Central Arkansas, has taken the next step in his professional baseball journey. The right-handed pitcher has been assigned to the Double-A Arkansas Travelers, the Seattle Mariners’ affiliate in the Texas League.
Cleveland, who was selected by the Mariners in the 14th round of the 2022 MLB Draft, has quickly worked his way up the minor league system. After spending time with the Modesto Nuts (Low-A) and Everett AquaSox (High-A), he now joins the Travelers in North Little Rock, putting him just two steps away from the Major Leagues.
Known for his command and competitive edge on the mound, Cleveland made a name for himself at UCA by earning back-to-back ASUN Pitcher of the Year honors in 2021 and 2022. During his collegiate career, he posted a 3.15 ERA with 208 strikeouts over 201.2 innings pitched. His consistency, maturity, and ability to attack the strike zone made him a reliable arm in the Bears’ rotation and an attractive pick for pro scouts.
In the minors, Cleveland has continued to impress. In 2024, he appeared in 28 games across two levels, logging a 3.50 ERA with 72 strikeouts over 69.1 innings. His ability to mix pitches and keep hitters off balance has helped him thrive in a relief role.
Cleveland’s promotion to Double-A marks a significant milestone for the Sheridan native. The Arkansas Travelers play just a short drive from where he grew up, giving family, friends, and fans a chance to see him perform on a bigger stage.
