The Cleveland Guardians have been enjoying Josh Naylor’s production, particularly in the last two years.
Since 2023, another Naylor made his way to the Guardians lineup and produced big numbers: his younger brother Bo.
Bo has long been a quality prospect in Cleveland’s system.
The youngest of the Naylors that have reached the bigs (the Oakland Athletics drafted Myles, the third brother and the youngest of the three, this year) certainly made his presence felt.
“What’s better than one Naylor? Obviously two. Bo settled in at the plate and produced consistently to close out the season slashing .304/.444/.607 in the final month!” the Guardians tweeted.
What's better than one Naylor? Obviously two.
Bo settled in at the plate and produced consistently to close out the season slashing .304/.444/.607 in the final month!#ForTheLand pic.twitter.com/oRuNOgFCQX
— Cleveland Guardians (@CleGuardians) December 16, 2023
Bo’s overall line in the majors was .237/.339/.470 with a .809 OPS, which is amazing for a catcher that young (he will turn 24 in February).
However, as the team explains, he caught fire near the end of the season and slugged .607 in the final month of the 2023 campaign, with a .304 batting average and an incredibly impressive .444 OBP.
He hit 13 doubles and 11 home runs in just 67 games.
To say that Naylor is already one of the best hitting catchers in the American League wouldn’t be an exaggeration.
He still has a lot to learn behind the plate, but the Guardians made sure to get him a nice mentor in veteran backup Austin Hedges, one of the best defensive backstops in the league.
Naylor has been a godsend for the Guardians’ unproductive lineup.
He is one of a handful of hitters capable of consistently providing on-base ability and power, and he will play a major role in 2024.
NEXT: 2 Guardians Stars Take Home Elite Honor
