With Gold Glove-winning first baseman Christian Walker signing with the Houston Astros, the Arizona Diamondbacks traded with the Cleveland Guardians for Josh Naylor. Former top pitching prospect Slade Cecconi is headed to Cleveland along with a Competitive B draft Pick, according to Jeff Passan.
Strong Power Bat
Originally drafted 12th overall in 2015 by the Miami Marlins, Naylor was traded to the San Diego Padres in an eight-player deal in 2016. He debuted with the Padres before being traded to Cleveland. Naylor had been with the Guardians since Covid-shortened 2020 season, becoming the Guardians’ starting first baseman in 2022. He has been a strong power bat in the middle of their lineup, coming off a 31 home run season. The Diamondbacks hope that he will help replace the power lost by the departure of Walker and free agent Joc Pederson from the middle of their lineup. In his seven-year career, Naylor has a .262/.323/.444 line with 84 home runs and 108 RBI while laying sound defense.
Top Pitching Prospect
The Diamondbacks selected Cecconi with the 33rd overall pick in the 2020 draft. Cecconi will be heading to the shores of Lake Erie in return. He has been one of Arizona’s top pitching prospects. He struggled in 2024 with a 2–7 record and a 6.66 ERA in 20 appearances, 13 starts.
Struggled down the Stretch
The Diamondbacks struggled at the end of 2024. They failed to make the playoffs despite holding a Wild Card spot for much of the season. Inconsistent play fueled the collapse for a team that had high hopes after their improbable World Series run in 2023.
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