The New York Yankees created a hole at first base by declining to pick up Anthony Rizzo’s club option for 2025. For weeks, there has been speculation about who the Bronx Bombers may acquire or trade for to replace Rizzo at first base. With the Yankees pursuing an expensive trade for outfielder Cody Bellinger and a third baseman in free agency, they may need to cut costs at first base. While free agent Christian Walker is an obvious choice, let us think outside the box. Enter Cleveland Guardians first baseman Josh Naylor, who is thought to be available for trade this winter.
Here’s a deal that would get Naylor to the Bronx:
- The New York Yankees receive: 1B Josh Naylor
- Cleveland Guardians acquire: RHP Cade Smith (No. 13 prospect) and INF Jorbit Vivas (No. 17 prospect).
The Guardians’ first baseman has had an OPS+ of 118 or better in each of the last three seasons. He’s expected to earn around $14 million in 2025 in arbitration this winter, which would be less than Rizzo’s option or signing Walker.
The Guardians would acquire two prospects to add to their farm system while releasing an expired player. Smith is a 22-year-old right-hander with several plus pitches and a high ceiling. Vivas might join the major league club after spring training. He’s had a long minor league career, including a bad year in 2024. Naylor had a tumultuous relationship with Yankees ace Gerrit Cole, but baseball is business.
If Naylor’s move to the Bronx is best for business, Cole and Naylor will just have to sort it out. They make too much money to be unable to figure things out. I don’t think their background would cause any kind of problems, especially with Aaron Judge in the clubhouse.
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