Josh Naylor Hot Stove: MLB insider reveals potential trade between Guardians and Mariners for 1B upgrade
Cleveland Guardians infielder Josh Naylor seems to be on the trade block and is now linked to the state of Washington where he could suit up for the Seattle Mariners. As per reports, Naylor was named in a possible trade between both teams.
Naylor comes just after the elite crop of first basemen who are available this year, which includes Pete Alonso and Christian Walker. The Guardians slugger hit 31 home runs in 2024, although he averaged .243, but also got a career high with 108 RBI.
Naylor didn't sign a contract extension with the team in his pre-arbitration years and was expected to hit free agency after the end of next year. His arbitration figure seems to be somewhere around $12 million. While it won't save them a lot of payroll space, the Guardians have known to get good return on their traded players.
As per insider Jon Morosi, the Seattle Mariners are one of the teams that are heavily interested in improving their production at 1B and are targeting someone like Josh Naylor.
"Sources: Josh Naylor has been mentioned in trade talks between the Guardians and Mariners. He’s one of multiple names under consideration by the Mariners for an offensive upgrade at 1B," Morosi wrote.
The Ms had Luke Raley earn time at first base during 2024, and he could be an option again in 2025. While he hit at a similar pace to Naylor's, Raley power hitting prowess is much lower, having hit just 22 home runs entire year.
The roster depth is also thin thus making Naylor an obvious addition. Along with Seattle there have been reports of the New York Yankees, Cincinnati Reds and the Toronto Blue Jays checking in on Naylor's availability.
Guardians insider feels team should 'hang on' to Josh Naylor
As per Guardians insider Mandy Bell, appearing on MLB Network Radio on Friday, it would be smarter for the Guardians to keep Naylor on their roster.
"I do think that it would make more sense to hang on to him until the trade deadline next year. I know, obviously, he'd become a quick rental for a team. But even still, it seems that it makes more sense," said Bell.
Losing a 30-homer hitting slugger in their lineup could seriously dent their production. Although it can be reasoned that if the Guardians are certain they will not re-sign him during his free agency, then it is better if they get it done as early as possible.