With the Pirates struggling to fill their first base position, a trade for the Guardians’ Josh Naylor could be the perfect fix. Here’s why this trade would benefit both teams.
Why the Pirates Need to Take Action on First Base
The Pittsburgh Pirates have been in rebuilding mode for years, but with young talent finally showing signs of progress, filling critical lineup gaps has become more urgent. One glaring hole has been at first base, a position that has underperformed due to lack of consistent power and production. While the Pirates have options in their farm system, none appear ready to deliver the kind of impact the team needs now.
This brings us to the Cleveland Guardians’ Josh Naylor, a left-handed hitter with raw power, a knack for driving in runs, and defensive versatility that would be a huge plus for Pittsburgh. In a position the Pirates have struggled to solidify, Naylor could be the player to plug in, produce immediately, and help elevate the team’s offensive threat.
Why Josh Naylor is the Ideal Fit for Pittsburgh
Josh Naylor, at just 27, is entering his prime, and his recent seasons with the Guardians have shown he can thrive in an everyday role. Known for his energy and team-first attitude, Naylor has gained a reputation as a player who can elevate team morale while delivering solid production. For the Pirates, adding a player like Naylor could create a consistent offensive spark that’s been missing in the lineup.
Statistically, Naylor is coming off a season that saw him improve his OPS, slugging percentage, and RBI numbers. His 2023 season with Cleveland showed his potential to hit over .270 with respectable power, something the Pirates sorely need from their corner infield spots. The Pirates haven’t had a player consistently perform like this at first base for years, and the acquisition would represent a significant upgrade in power and run production.
How the Trade Could Benefit Both the Pirates and Guardians
While the Pirates have a pressing need at first, the Guardians have a strong farm system, which means they can afford to part with Naylor. Cleveland could look to package Naylor in a deal that addresses their own areas of need, like pitching depth or outfield defense. The Pirates have a wealth of young pitching prospects, many of whom are on the cusp of breaking into the big leagues.
A proposed trade might look like this: Josh Naylor to Pittsburgh in exchange for two of Pittsburgh’s mid-level pitching prospects and a lower-tier position player. This package could give Cleveland extra arms to bolster their bullpen or starting rotation depth while opening up playing time for younger players at first.
Why This Trade is Controversial
A trade like this is controversial for several reasons. For one, Naylor is a fan favorite in Cleveland, known for his fiery personality and hustle, which have endeared him to Guardians fans. Trading Naylor would mean parting with a player who brings energy to the clubhouse and who’s beloved by the fanbase. For Cleveland fans, seeing him traded away, especially for unproven prospects, might feel like a step backward in the team’s rebuild.
For the Pirates, some fans might argue that surrendering two mid-level pitching prospects is too high a price for a player who has yet to establish himself as a consistent, elite performer. While Naylor is productive, he’s not on the same level as the league’s top-tier first basemen. Giving up pitching depth could backfire if the Pirates’ rotation suffers injuries or if their farm talent fails to develop as expected.
Final Thoughts: Why This Trade Could Be a Game-Changer
A trade for Josh Naylor would be bold, controversial, and perhaps just what the Pirates need to take the next step in their rebuilding journey. The addition of Naylor would solve their long-standing first base issues, bring consistency to the lineup, and show fans the organization’s commitment to building a competitive team now. It would also be a chance for Naylor to shine as an everyday first baseman and become a central figure in a growing Pirates team.
For both the Guardians and Pirates, this trade could offer new potential.