The New York Yankees are expected to part ways with several veterans before the 2025 season begins. Superstar slugger Juan Soto has already left the team, signing a historic $765 million contract with the New York Mets. Additionally, two key infielders from the previous season, Gleyber Torres and Anthony Rizzo, are also exploring free agency. Given the situation, it seems likely that the Yankees will move on from Rizzo, as there are several notable first baseman available, including Pete Alonso and Christian Walker. In order to fill this gap, the Yankees may also look to the trade market, with Zach Pressnell of Newsweek suggesting a potential deal to acquire Cleveland Guardians’ first baseman Josh Naylor in exchange for prospects Cade Smith and Jorbit Vivas.
With the Yankees targeting expensive acquisitions like outfielder Cody Bellinger and a third baseman in free agency, they may need to find cost-effective solutions at first base. Naylor, who has been linked to trade rumors this offseason, could be a good fit. In his most successful MLB season to date, the 27-year-old Naylor hit .243/.320/.456, smashing 31 home runs and driving in 108 RBIs, earning his first All-Star selection. However, Naylor is projected to earn $14.2 million in 2025 during his final season of arbitration eligibility, making him a potential trade candidate for the Guardians if they want to get value for him before he becomes a free agent and signs a larger contract elsewhere.
If the Yankees were to trade Smith and Vivas for Naylor, they would be offering up two promising prospects. Smith, the Yankees’ 13th-ranked prospect, is a 22-year-old right-handed pitcher who posted a 3.65 ERA in the minors in 2024. Vivas, a 23-year-old infielder and the Yankees’ 17th-ranked prospect, had a .225/.347/.366 slash line in 347 Triple-A at-bats last season. If the Guardians see these two players as high-upside additions to their system, they might be willing to move Naylor. However, the Yankees could be hesitant to give up much more, especially for a player they would only control for one season without the possibility of an extension.
One potential obstacle to this trade is the history between Naylor and Yankees ace Gerrit Cole. Naylor celebrated excessively after hitting a home run off Cole in the past, which could lead to tension in the locker room. However, if the addition of Naylor would improve the Yankees’ chances of success, Cole may be willing to put aside any past issues for the sake of the team. As Pressnell noted, “If Naylor to the Bronx is best for business, Cole and Naylor would simply need to work things out.”
