Insider Casts Doubt On Reunion With Former Guardians All-Star

The Cleveland Guardians could certainly use some help at the plate.

That’s why some people believe they would be wise to try to get Josh Naylor back.

However, given the way the team dealt with him, how well he played down the stretch, and everything that has transpired, that may not be in the cards right now.

At least, that’s how Guardians insider Paul Hoynes feels:

“I don’t see [Josh Naylor’s return to the Guardians] happening. The Guardians could have easily kept Naylor for the 2025 season instead of trading him to Arizona in December and signing Carlos Santana for $12 million to replace him at first base. They didn’t, and they never really explained why. When Naylor was in Cleveland with the Mariners late in the regular season, he did not seem thrilled when asked about the trade. He probably took himself out of Cleveland’s price range by the way he played down the stretch for Seattle and in the postseason. One more thing, how could Seattle let him go after how he’s played?” Hoynes wrote.

Moving on from Naylor was a big mistake.

It certainly seemed that way at the time, and it became even more evident throughout the course of the season.

The Guardians struggled to get much going on offense.

Also, even if the Guardians found a way to get back in Naylor’s good graces, there would still be the financial issue.

The front office has been historically reluctant to spend big bucks, and if they were unwilling to sign him to an extension before the trade, it doesn’t sound likely that they will choose to do so one year later.

Of course, he’s exactly the type of proven veteran this team needs right now, and as much as he will be costly, he would still be cheaper than most superstars.

As things stand now, Naylor will most likely take his talents somewhere else and sign the type of deal he wants and has earned.

The Guardians, on the other hand, will likely make some low-level moves and just hope that their young outfielders will be impactful and good enough to help them get over the hump.