Josh Naylor was a first-round pick of the Marlins back in 2015 and after a trade to San Diego made his big league debut with the Padres in 2019. He blossomed in Cleveland and now is with his fourth organization. The first baseman enters 2025 with the Arizona Diamondbacks as a reliable, All-Star caliber slugger.
READ: The Triumvirate | Myles Naylor Is Next Up To Join His MLBbros…Literally | mlbbro.com
The Canadian born left-handed hitter is looking forward to his new surroundings. MLBbro.com reporter caught up with the former Cleveland Guardians masher as he enjoys his first Spring Training with his new squad.
“It’s awesome. I’m getting to know everyone. New team. I’m looking forward to all of the growth and relationships that I’m going to make” Naylor told MLBbro.com.
Josh Naylor Was A Force For Cleveland Guardians
Naylor was a force in the Cleveland Guardians lineup in 2024 as he set career highs in homeruns with 31 and RBI with 108. “Just play the game” Naylor mentioned when asked about his success.
“You have to understand that there are moments when you may have to sacrifice your at bat for the good of the team and there’s moments when you can shoot for a homerun. I try to do what the game tells me to do in the moment” he explained.
Josh Naylor Respects All-Star Games at Every Level In All Sports
Regardless of the sport, All-Star weekend is fun for all of the athletes. Naylor has made his mark on that weekend over his career. He finished second in a high school homerun derby in 2014 and was able to participate in the MLB futures game not once but twice representing the World Team (Canada) in 2016 and 2017. In 2024 he participated in the main event. “It was fun to be part of it. Fun to meet players from all over and have that experience. God willing there is many more to come” he shared.
Josh Naylor Played With Brother Bo In Cleveland: Myles Taylor Drafted In 2023 Is Next Up
Baseball is definitely in the Naylor family blood as Josh is the eldest of three brothers. Younger brother Bo and Josh were teammates in Cleveland. A very special moment occurred on July 14, 2023, in Texas when the siblings homered in the same game. It’s a feat they would duplicate again in 2024. “It was awesome, an unforgettable experience” Naylor said of his time with Bo.
READ: Naylor Brothers Make History | Bro Bombs For Real | mlbbro.com
“Hopefully one day all three of us can play together. That would be super unique and super cool” said Naylor, referencing his youngest brother Myles who was the 39th overall pick in the 2023 Major League Baseball draft with the Oakland Athletics.
“We keep in touch everyday and try to grow with one another, all three of us do” he added. Their dad is a fan of all sports, and the brothers certainly sensed that when they were younger. “I grew up playing baseball, hockey and even wrestled a little bit” Naylor said.
Naylor Brothers’ Dad Sparked Love For All Sports Especially Boxing and Baseball
“Baseball was his first love; he brought the love to us and created this gift we have” Naylor revealed to MLBbro.com during his first Spring Training with the Arizona Diamondbacks.
Naylor followed multiple sports like his dad and enjoyed watching many different athletes.
“Mike Tyson, Sugar Ray Leonard, Roberto Duran and Leon Spinks, I watched a lot of boxing growing up” said Naylor, who had a surprising grasp of the greats. “Me and my dad would watch boxing on a nightly basis, I appreciate all athletes and the highest level.”
Look for MLBbro Josh Naylor to add a much-needed power bat and RBI force for the speedy Arizona Diamondbacks.
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