DIAMONDBACKS DEAL FOR JOSH NAYLOR
The Arizona Diamondbacks acquired first baseman Josh Naylor from the Cleveland Guardians for pitcher Slade Cecconi and a competitive balance round B draft pick in 2025.
What does it give the Arizona Diamondbacks
After the departure of Christian Walker this off-season, the Diamondbacks bring in a new power-hitting first baseman in Naylor. He is coming off a career-high 31 home runs and 108 RBI last season. Naylor is also just 27 years old, so he could become a long-term fit in Arizona. Expect him to once again drive in many runs this season hitting in the heart of the diamondbacks' order.
What does it give the Cleveland Guardians
Naylor had been very productive in Cleveland, but he had only one more year of team control. So, they elected to move him. Cecconi, a young right-handed starter, adds to their pitching depth. A first-round pick in 2020, Cecconi has potential but has yet to find much success in MLB (6.06 ERA in 104 IP). He should compete for a rotation spot with the Guardians in 2025, though he could need more time in the minors.
Fantasy impact
Now in Arizona, Naylor remains a solid fantasy first baseman. While many of his RBI opportunities in Cleveland came from hitting after Steven Kwan and Jose Ramirez, he is joining a Diamondbacks team that led the league in runs scored in 2024. Another 30-HR, 100-RBI season appears very likely. Meanwhile, Cecconi will need to prove himself in MLB before he can be trusted in fantasy leagues. He could be worth a late flier in deeper drafts. In most formats, wait and see how he begins the year with Cleveland.
