The New York Yankees opened up a hole at first base when they decided not to pick up Anthony Rizzo’s club option for 2025. Speculation has surrounded the Bronx Bombers for weeks about who they would sign or trade for to fill Rizzo’s spot at first base.
With the Yankees in pursuit of an expensive trade for outfielder Cody Bellinger as well as a third baseman in free agency, they may need to save money at first base. While free agent Christian Walker is the obvious answer, let’s think outside the box.
Enter Cleveland Guardians first baseman Josh Naylor, who’s been rumored to be on the trade block this offseason.
Here’s a deal that would send Naylor to the Bronx:
New York Yankees receive: 1B Josh Naylor
Cleveland Guardians receive: RHP Cade Smith (No. 13 prospect), INF Jorbit Vivas (No. 17 prospect)
The Guardians’ first baseman has posted 118 OPS+ or higher in each of the last three seasons. He’s projected to land about $14 million for 2025 in arbitration this winter, which would be cheaper than Rizzo’s option or signing Walker.
For the Guardians, they would acquire two prospects to add to their farm system while getting off an expiring player. Smith is a 22-year-old righty with multiple plus pitches and a high ceiling. Vivas could land with the big league club coming out of spring training. He’s had an extensive minor league career that included a down year in 2024.
Naylor has a bitter history with Yankees ace Gerrit Cole, but baseball is a business. If Naylor to the Bronx is best for business, Cole and Naylor would simply need to work things out. They get paid too much money to not be able to work things out. I don’t believe their history would cause any sort of issues, especially with Aaron Judge in the clubhouse.
