Cleveland Guardians catcher Bo Naylor finished the 2023 season as one of the most promising offensive catchers in the American League.
That year, he posted a .809 OPS in 230 plate appearances.
That, from the catcher position, is magnificent production.
In 2024, however, Naylor took a gigantic step back in many aspects of the game.
He was borderline unplayable offensively in the regular season, with a .614 OPS that was among the worst in the junior circuit.
He wasn’t much better when the Guards needed him the most, in the playoffs, with a .455 OPS and having showed some issues to block pitches in the dirt.
If the Guardians offense is going to take a leap in 2025, they are going to need their young, talented and controllable catcher to play closer to his 2023 level.
His minor league career suggests he is closer to that version than the one he showed in 2024, but prospect development is not necessarily linear and the Guards might have to exercise some patience.
The upside is still considerable, so he is very much worth the patience that Cleveland will undoubtedly have.
The biggest step back he took this year was in the plate discipline department.
In 2023, Naylor worked 29 walks and struck out 53 times.
Those numbers regressed completely this year, with 28 bases on balls and 122 punchouts.
That’s where most of the off-season work will need to be focused: pitch recognition and plate discipline.
Naylor has considerable offensive upside, but he needs to improve in certain areas.
Cleveland needs a rebound season from him in 2025 if they want to make the World Series.
NEXT: Guardians Open Up Spot On The 40-Man Roster By Outrighting Veteran Outfielder
