PHOENIX — Josh Naylor, a 27-year-old All-Star and standout clubhouse leader, is set to make his mark in Arizona. The Diamondbacks acquired Naylor from the Cleveland Guardians after former first baseman Christian Walker departed for the Houston Astros.
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Arizona Diamondbacks’ Josh Naylor singles to center against the Kansas City Royals in the fourth inning during a spring training game at Salt River Fields at Talking Stick on March 11, 2025. © Rob Schumacher/The Republic / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images
Naylor slashed .243/.320/.456 in 2024, and was a key piece for the Cleveland Guardians. Last season also saw Naylor join his fellow peers among some of the best in the league, as he reached his first All Star game. When the Diamondbacks traded for Josh Naylor, they knew what they needed. Not just a guy to fill the void that we all felt when Christian Walker left, but a player who wants to win at all costs. While his defense might not be up to same level as Walkers, he makes up for it in multiple other ways that helps clubs win.
Mar 3, 2025; Salt River Pima-Maricopa, Arizona, USA; Arizona Diamondbacks first base Josh Naylor (22) hits a single against the Chicago Cubs in the third inning at Salt River Fields at Talking Stick. Credit: Rick Scuteri-Imagn Images
Maybe it’s his attitude, passion, or intensity.. but there is something that I think he can bring to this D-Backs team that you can’t teach. Clips in the past of Naylor have truly shown how much he cares. Including this one that was posted the day the trade went down:
pic.twitter.com/bxggWj3jIW https://t.co/tV8uo4hg1a
— Wall-Marte (@azbabybax) December 21, 2024
Understanding he is eligible for arbitration during the winter before his free agency stint after this upcoming 2025 season, if he fits in like we all think we will, hopefully he keeps his fire lit out here in the desert for a while to come.
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Reporter Benjamin Bliklen covers the Arizona Diamondbacks for Burn City Sports. You can follow him on his X account, @BenBliklen
