The Cleveland Guardians have enjoyed consistent power production from first baseman Josh Naylor this season.
He has always shown potential and entered the season as a solid run-producing piece for the Guardians.
It’s fair to say, now that he finally managed to stay relatively healthy for the majority of the season, that he finally has the total stats of a slugging first baseman.
On Wednesday, he took Bailey Ober of the Minnesota Twins deep for his 30th homer of the season.
It’s the first time he reaches that total, and he did it in style: it was, without a doubt, a majestic blast.
“445 feet, 109.6 MPH. Josh Naylor has his 30th home run of the season!” MLB posted on it’s official X account.
445 feet, 109.6 MPH 😤
Josh Naylor has his 30th home run of the season! pic.twitter.com/CQCgRzZp5a
— MLB (@MLB) September 18, 2024
Naylor has huge raw power, but for the first time in his career, he put it all together to hit 30 long balls in a single season.
The most impressive thing is that he has potential for more in the rate stats department.
He entered Wednesday with a good, but not great .243/.320/.456 line and a .776 OPS.
He had a .842 OPS in 121 games last year, so he has it in him.
For now, it’s safe to say the Guardians are happy with Naylor’s production this year.
Jose Ramirez needed someone behind him to consistently produce in the power department, and Naylor has delivered.
After going yard on Wednesday, the slugging first baseman has 104 RBI on the season, also a career high.
Naylor is an integral piece of the Guardians philosophy.
Not only he offers power, but he also energizes the dugout and the clubhouse.
Without him, the Guardians probably wouldn’t have such a comfortable cushion in the division.
NEXT: Guardians Reliever Cannot Be Trusted At The Moment
