The Cleveland Guardians have to add more firepower to their lineup. They’re not likely to go after the biggest names out there, and they will probably try to build from within.
Of course, plenty of that will come from the youngsters. Guys like Chase DeLauter, George Valera, Juan Brito, C.J. Kayfus, and maybe even Angel Genao and Travis Bazzana could have a role at some point in the season. However, they will also need those who are out there every day to be better.
With that in mind, manager Stephen Vogt gave Bo Naylor the nod as one of the players most likely to break out next season:
“Bo Naylor. He made some really good adjustments with his lower half this last year, and now, this offseason, clean up the path a little bit more, get some more consistency. Bo Naylor’s one of the best athletes in the big leagues. The offense is coming for Bo Naylor, and I think he’s going to be a huge piece for our team next year,” Vogt said of who will take the next jump for the Guardians,” Vogt said.
Naylor has all the talent in the world, but the consistency has rarely been there. He struggled mightily at the beginning of the season before closing out the year on a high note, changing his approach at the plate and also keeping the defensive miscues to a minimum.
The Guardians also have a talented prospect in Cooper Ingle waiting for his opportunity, so Naylor won’t have much margin for error this time around. Unlike the defensive-oriented Austin Hedges, Ingle can actually contribute to the offense. Stephen Vogt didn’t turn his back on Naylor when he was at his worst last season.
He clearly still has the utmost confidence and belief in himself and his talent, and while these comments will put some pressure on him, they also show that the team will put plenty of emphasis on his development.
NEXT: Details Emerge About Guardians' Offseason Plan For Kyle Manzardo
