The Cleveland Guardians might have been a bit quiet in the offseason, but that doesn’t mean they haven’t been looking at different avenues to improve the team.
After all, they have a very capable president of baseball operations in Chris Antonetti, who was actually MLB’s Executive of the Year in 2022.
Usually working with a limited budget, Antonetti and the Guardians often use the trade market to improve the talent on the roster and this year might not the exception.
They have Shane Bieber as their primary trade piece, but are also receiving inquiries on closer Emmanuel Clase and on first baseman/designated hitter Josh Naylor.
MLB insiders are reporting that the Seattle Mariners are particularly interested in the latter.
“The Mariners have talked with the Guardians about Josh Naylor, as @hoynsie reported. Seattle has been actively looking for offensive upgrades via trades and free agency. From the ’23 team, Suárez, Kelenic, Hernández, Ford, and Murphy are no longer on roster,” MLB Network’s Jon Morosi tweeted.
As Morosi suggests, the Mariners have lost many members of their 2023 lineup, either via free agency or trade.
However, if the Guardians are going to trade, they are likely to do it from a position of strength (i.e. pitching), and their offense is not exactly deep on powerful sluggers.
Losing Naylor and his .842 OPS, 31 doubles, 17 home runs, and 97 RBI in 2023 would be a big blow for their lineup.
What do fans think, though?
They seem to agree.
If I’m the Guardians, no chance I’m moving a 26 year old 1B coming off a career season. Plus his bro is on the team and has some potential as the starting catcher.
— Let’s Talk Sports (@LTSports80) December 21, 2023
Teams have asked, but it makes little sense for Cleveland to trade him when they need to add offense. Seattle and Cleveland are not good trade partners. Their needs and strengths are the same.
— John Furlong (@HockeyJohn) December 21, 2023
If the Guards trade Naylor, they’re going to be losing fans
— 11-6 (@BigCLEFan) December 21, 2023
Of course, there were also some snarky answers.
Common sense says"No way", but Dolan says, "Kick him, and throw in his brother. Team payroll is still too high."
— "Bob" Dobbs – Church of the Subgenius (@IgnatzJFahrquar) December 21, 2023
If they do move Naylor, one has to think the return package would have to be too much to pass up on.
NEXT: Guardians Remind Fans Of Terry Francona's Farewell
