JUST IN: Diamondbacks Drop Bombshell: Josh Naylor Trade Signals Major 2025 Playoffs Push

 

The Arizona Diamondbacks have taken a significant step in bolstering their roster this offseason by acquiring Josh Naylor, an All-Star first baseman, from the Cleveland Guardians. Despite this notable addition, General Manager Mike Hazen has hinted that the team’s offseason strategy is far from complete.

Following the trade, Hazen’s statement on social media platform X (formerly Twitter) revealed the team’s ongoing ambitions: “We still have a lot of work to do this offseason.” This comment, shared by Alex Weiner, suggests that the Diamondbacks are actively pursuing further improvements to their lineup.

The trade for Naylor, which cost Arizona pitcher Slade Cecconi and a competitive balance Round B draft pick, addresses the gap left by Christian Walker’s departure to the Houston Astros. Naylor, at 27 years old, brings considerable offensive firepower to the Diamondbacks. His impressive performance last season, including a career-best 31 home runs and 108 RBIs, earned him his first All-Star selection.

However, while Naylor’s batting prowess is undeniable, his defensive skills at first base are not quite on par with Walker’s Gold Glove-caliber play. Hazen has acknowledged this discrepancy but remains optimistic about Naylor’s potential for improvement. During a press conference, Hazen expressed confidence in Naylor’s work ethic, stating, “We think he’s a solid first baseman. He works really hard at it, and we’re going to push him pretty hard because we value [defense] heavily.”

This trade and Hazen’s subsequent comments indicate that the Diamondbacks are committed to enhancing their team’s performance, with a focus on both offensive power and defensive excellence as they prepare for the upcoming season.

The D-backs want to keep adding this offseason

Naylor’s arrival does not mean that the Diamondbacks will stop. Hazen clarified that the team is still involved in the free agency and trade markets. “Offers are circulating everywhere. Hazen alluded to an emphasis on bullpen upgrades and maybe augmenting the offense further when he remarked, “Not very close, but we have ideas… in the various areas we’ve talked about in the past.”

The D-backs’ win-now strategy is shown in the move for Naylor. Hazen underlined the significance of giving the 2025 team’s competitiveness top priority, even though Naylor only has one year left on his contract. “We have faith in this team for the upcoming season, and it is our duty to make sure they have the best chance of winning,” Hazen said.