The Cleveland Guardians enjoyed a breakout season by Josh Naylor in 2024 when it comes to total stats.
He had already posted a .843 OPS in 2023, but cleared the 30-homer threshold for the first time in his career this year.
He ended up sending 31 balls over the fence and driving 108 runs.
The Guardians, however, are known for a very particular modus operandi.
When a player starts getting expensive and closer to free agency, they trade him to get some value in return and avoid the long-term commitment of a contract extension.
Team reporter Andre Knott implied that this might be Naylor’s fate.
“@DreKnott talks about Josh Naylor’s future with the Cleveland Guardians… “Everybody loves Josh but there’s always a sign with the Cleveland baseball team…” ESPN Cleveland posted on X.
.@DreKnott talks about Josh Naylor's future with the Cleveland Guardians…
"Everybody loves Josh but there's always a sign with the Cleveland baseball team…" pic.twitter.com/oJyybFRJDA
— ESPN Cleveland (@ESPNCleveland) October 21, 2024
The Guardians likely won’t pay the premium price for a first baseman, so a trade is always in the cards.
Naylor has blossomed into a legitimate middle-of-the-order threat offensively, though.
Even though he is not a huge on-base threat and his OPS didn’t clear the .800 threshold, teams will likely listen when offered a guy capable of hitting 30 home runs and driving in 100 runs.
Helping matters for the Guardians is the fact they have Kyle Manzardo ready to take over at first base and Ralphy Velazquez on the way.
The latter is in the low minors but is brimming with potential.
They should give the Guardians cheap production at first base for the next few years, allowing them to trade Naylor for some much-needed pitching help.
At this point, an extension for Naylor is possible, but highly unlikely.
NEXT: Guardians Have Work To Do On Offense Despite 2024 Progress
