MLB Trade Rumors: 3 Potential Trade Fits For Guardians Slugger Josh Naylor

Josh Naylor proved this season that 2023 wasn't a fluke. After driving in 97 runs with an .842 OPS (130 OPS+) and a .308 average, he followed that up in 2024 by slugging 31 HRs with 108 RBIs in the heart of the Cleveland Guardians lineup.

But with a projected arbitration price tag of about $14 million for next season, the penny-pinching Guardians might look to capitalize on the 27-year-old's value and make a trade. He was discussed in trade talks last winter, so the precedent has been there.

24-year-old Kyle Manzardo has been a regular power source in the minors, and could be ready to take over full-time at first base in Cleveland, making Naylor somewhat expendable (though that is a stretch).

With that, Zachary Rymer of Bleacher Report has suggested three teams that would be potential trade destinations for Naylor.

Seattle Mariners

This is a team that's desperate for some offensive punch, and first base has been a problem area. Naylor would be a great fit on this team.

Houston Astros

They sunk $58.5 million on former MVP Jose Abreu a couple of years back, but he was so fried upon arriving in Houston that they had to release him this year and eat about half of that contract. Yes, first base is a trouble spot for the Astros, and they would love to get their hands on Naylor.

New York Yankees

Anthony Rizzo had a dreadful season this year, and it's unlikely the Yanks will pick up their team option of $17 million for 2025. Sure, they're busy at the moment trying to win a World Series, but adding Naylor to this power-packed lineup would be scary. Or maybe he could be their Juan Soto replacement in the lineup if he bolts in free agency (of course, Josh Naylor is no Juan Soto, but 30 homers and 100 RBIs is nothing to sneeze at, and would go a long way towards the impossible task of replacing Soto's production).