Diamondbacks Secure Power Hitter Josh Naylor, Signaling "Win-Now" Mentality
The Arizona Diamondbacks, fresh off a World Series appearance in 2023, have made a significant move to bolster their lineup, acquiring All-Star first baseman Josh Naylor from the Cleveland Guardians. This acquisition addresses a key vacancy created by the departure of free agent Christian Walker to the Houston Astros and signals the Diamondbacks’ commitment to contending for a championship in the immediate future. Naylor, coming off a career-best season with 31 home runs and 105 RBIs, provides the much-needed power surge Arizona sought to maintain their offensive prowess.
The Diamondbacks’ pursuit of a first baseman took several turns. Initially, they explored the possibility of bringing back franchise icon Paul Goldschmidt. However, Goldschmidt opted to sign a one-year deal with the New York Yankees, shifting Arizona’s focus squarely onto Naylor. Diamondbacks General Manager Mike Hazen acknowledged the complexities of the trade market and the unpredictable nature of free agency, emphasizing the team’s diligence in evaluating all available options. The acquisition of Naylor represents a decisive move to secure a cornerstone player for their lineup.
Naylor, 27, enters his final year of arbitration eligibility, projected to earn between $12 million and $14.2 million in 2025. He joins a core of key Diamondbacks players – including pitchers Zac Gallen and Merrill Kelly, third baseman Eugenio Suarez, and pitcher Jordan Montgomery – who will also be eligible for free agency after the 2025 season. This impending free agency wave presents a challenge for Diamondbacks CEO Ken Kendrick and Hazen, who must navigate these contractual situations while maintaining a competitive roster. The team has already exercised 2025 options on Kelly and Suarez, indicating their desire to retain valuable assets.
To acquire Naylor, the Diamondbacks parted ways with promising young pitcher Slade Cecconi and a competitive balance Round B draft pick. Cecconi, a first-round pick in 2020, struggled in his first extended major league stint last season and was vying for a spot in a crowded Diamondbacks rotation. The trade represents a calculated risk for Arizona, sacrificing potential future value for immediate offensive firepower.
Naylor’s arrival significantly enhances an already potent Diamondbacks lineup. He joins a formidable group of sluggers, including Suarez, Ketel Marte, Lourdes Gurriel Jr., and Corbin Carroll, all of whom hit at least 22 home runs last season. Marte, in particular, enjoyed a career year with 36 home runs. Naylor’s power complements this existing core, creating a formidable offensive force that aims to replicate, or even surpass, their league-leading 886 runs scored in 2024.
Naylor’s offensive contributions extend beyond just home runs. His advanced metrics highlight his ability to make hard contact, with an average exit velocity that ranked among the top first basemen in baseball. While his strikeout totals increased with more plate appearances, his strikeout rate remained relatively low, showcasing his ability to make consistent contact. Hazen praised Naylor’s hitting ability, makeup, and anticipated fit within the clubhouse, emphasizing the multifaceted value he brings to the team.
While the Diamondbacks boasted a potent offense in 2024, leading the league in runs and on-base percentage, they also recognized the need for additional offensive reinforcement, particularly with the departure of designated hitters Joc Pederson and Randal Grichuk. Naylor’s acquisition addresses this need directly, adding a consistent power bat to the middle of the lineup. The Diamondbacks may still explore the free-agent market for further offensive depth, potentially targeting players seeking one-year deals to rebuild their value, similar to Pederson and Grichuk’s strategy last season. The team’s focus remains on constructing a championship-caliber roster, leveraging both trades and free agency to achieve their goal.
