This past week, the Cleveland Guardians saw their season end after an intense five-game battle with the New York Yankees in the ALCS. Some of Cleveland’s top players fell short in the postseason, contributing to their elimination.
Heading into the offseason, the Guardians are faced with significant decisions about potential trades, roster adjustments, and free-agent signings. According to Bleacher Report’s Zachary Rymer, Josh Naylor is the most likely candidate to be traded, with the Houston Astros emerging as a strong potential destination.
“Cleveland might be especially intrigued if a team is willing to give up a starting pitcher in exchange for Naylor. Plus, with Kyle Manzardo ready to take over at first base, Naylor isn’t irreplaceable,” Rymer noted.
Cleveland’s offseason focus will likely be on acquiring pitching talent. With Manzardo set to fill Naylor’s spot, trading him for top pitching prospects makes sense, especially since Cleveland can target offensive additions through free agency.
One potential trade could see Houston acquiring Naylor by sending two of their top pitching prospects to Cleveland. However, if the Astros pursue this move, they would need to be aggressive in signing free-agent pitchers to balance their roster.
Proposed Trade:
Astros Receive: 1B Josh Naylor
Guardians Receive:** RHP Miguel Ullola, RHP Jose Fleury
Ullola, 22, has a high ceiling but struggles with command, having walked 77 batters over 130.1 innings in 2024. Fleury, also 22, has a top-tier changeup and solid command but lacks velocity, limiting his potential.
Naylor, coming off a season where he slashed .243/.320/.456 with 31 home runs and 27 doubles, would give the Astros the first baseman they need to bolster their lineup in 2025. Meanwhile, Cleveland would clear space for Manzardo and gain two promising pitching prospects.
