Josh Naylor’s breakout 30-homer/100 RBI season isn’t his end goal
Josh Naylor has had an impressive year so far with the Cleveland Guardians. The 27-year-old outfielder/first baseman was selected to his first All-Star Game and will have the opportunity to make his third appearance in the postseason. Going into the Cleveland Guardians game versus the Cincinnati Reds on Tuesday night, Naylor was hitting .240 with 31 home runs and 105 RBI.
His team was 90-67 and had clinched the AL Central division title. They were trying to catch the New York Yankees, which were 92-64 prior to facing the Baltimore Orioles on Tuesday, for the best record in the American League with the regular season ending on Sunday.
Naylor’s power display has been impressive. His 30-plus homers are a first for his career. The RBI total is also a career best after knocking in 97 last season. Now, as the playoffs are approaching, Naylor will have the opportunity once again to help his team make a run at a World Series title.
The Guardians clinched the American League Central Division this year and the last time they clinched was back in 2022, making that two times in the last three years.
Cleveland’s last World Series appearance came in 2016 when they lost to the Chicago Cubs in Game 7.
Naylor is no stranger to the postseason. In 2020, he made a huge impact while only playing in two games. In those two games, he went five-for-seven at the plate with a home run and three RBI.
He saw more action during the 2022 playoffs, posting a .194 average in seven games.
Time after time, Naylor has proved himself to be a threat at the plate this season. He has come up clutch in numerous situations to help put his team in a position to win games.
And his teammates love the energy he brings each and every day.
“Josh is our guy, that’s our heart and soul,” said Guardians right fielder Will Brennan. “He goes into demon mode like that, you’ve got to just let him do his thing.”
The Guardians manager also has praise for Naylor, noting him setting new standards in homers and RBIs. “What a cool accolade for him,” said manager Stephen Vogt. “It’s a huge milestone for players. It’s something special to have two guys in our lineup with 30 and 100.”
With Naylor and Jose Ramirez, the latter who had 37 homers and 112 RBI as of Tuesday, anchoring the Guardians lineup, Cleveland has two potent run producers. Irrespective of the individual success Naylor has achieved this season, he is more focused on the team.
“Team wins mean more to me,” Naylor said. “Just the production we have as a unit, that’s more important to me, and to get into the postseason.”
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