The Cleveland Guardians traded first baseman Josh Naylor to the Arizona Diamondbacks just a few days ago.
They got some much-needed pitching help in Slade Cecconi, plus a high draft pick for Naylor.
It’s a solid return considering Cecconi has five years of team control remaining and Naylor just one, but that doesn’t mean that the Guardians won’t miss the latter and his production.
It also doesn’t mean that fans won’t miss him.
Naylor, a fan favorite in Cleveland, made sure to say goodbye with class and dignity.
He wrote heartfelt words that will be forever remembered in Cleveland.
“Josh Naylor penned a heartfelt message to the Guardians organization, the fans and his brother, Bo, on Instagram following his trade to Arizona. Photo: Joshua Gunter, clevelanddotcom,” Cleveland Guardians Talk posted on X.
Josh Naylor penned a heartfelt message to the Guardians organization, the fans and his brother, Bo, on Instagram following his trade to Arizona. Photo: Joshua Gunter, clevelanddotcom pic.twitter.com/U61rI80P6t
— Cleveland Guardians Baseball (@GuardiansTalk) December 27, 2024
He said that the fans’ support has meant the world to him, highlighting how they make their presence felt thought thick and thin.
“You have made me proud to represent this team and the city of Cleveland. Your energy and passion have always pushed me to give my best, and for that, I am forever thankful,” he wrote.
The full text can be found here.
Naylor came a couple of years ago in a trade as a total question mark, and blossomed into a bonafide slugger.
He posted a .843 OPS in 2023, and a .776 OPS mark this year, along with 31 home runs and 108 RBI.
Limitations with his defense and walk rate, together with closeness to free agency, forced the Guards trade him, but he gave the team and fans many memories with his intense, fiery play.
Each every fan wishes him the best in Arizona.
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