The Guardians have traded Josh Naylor to the Seattle Mariners, shocking many

Why Trading Josh Naylor Makes Sense.

Josh Naylor, the Cleveland Guardians’ first baseman, finally had a breakout season.

He had a.776 OPS, 31 home runs, and 108 RBI, adding punch to the center of the Guardians order.

Believe it or not, those figures increase his chances of being traded this offseason.

Naylor only has a year of team control left, during which he is expected to earn roughly $12 million based on salary arbitration.

Cleveland has already shown a willingness to deal players approaching free agency, and Naylor fits the description here.

The fact that he had such a strong season in 2024 benefits his market and provides Cleveland lots of suitors.

No, Naylor will not bring in a large number of prospects in return, but he may provide the organization with some starting pitching aid.

The Chicago Cubs, Pittsburgh Pirates, and Seattle Mariners all discussed a deal with the Guardians last offseason.

While the Cubs acquired Michael Busch, the Bucs and M’s still require first-base help.

Their offense in general could need a boost, and Naylor has the capacity to provide home runs, doubles, and RBIs in abundance.

The Mariners, in particular, have tremendous starting pitching depth, but Pittsburgh might also be a fit.

In any event, it appears Naylor has played his final game in Cleveland.

He is a valued part of the squad, and fans adore him, but if the Guardians want to follow previous trends and improve a position of need, a trade is in their best interests.

They have Kyle Manzardo ready to take over at first base, so while the lineup will feel Naylor’s departure, it makes sense because he has a solid successor.