The Cleveland Guardians have had some recent success, making the playoffs in two of the last three seasons. However, the squad had not gone past the division stage since 2016, so Cleveland decided it was time for a change. This offseason, the Guardians traded Josh Naylor to the Arizona Diamondbacks, parting ways with a fun and productive player.
However, Naylor might become overly exuberant at times. Former Guardians manager Terry Francona learned this the hard way, receiving a headbutt from Naylor following a walk-off, two-run home run that defeated the Minnesota Twins in the 10th inning in 2022. Francona was also wearing a batting helmet at the time. However, the equipment failed to effectively safeguard the experienced skipper.
The historic celebration was recently brought up in a conversation with Naylor. “I apologize to this day every time I see him,” Naylor told MLB Network on Instagram of his former boss.
“I still feel horrible today. “I know he had neck pain for the next five days after that, which is kind of sad,” the Diamondbacks’ new first baseman said. “He is great. “I adore Terry,” Naylor added.
New Diamondbacks slugger Josh Naylor celebrates hard
Naylor’s a huge guy, weighing 250 pounds. So the Diamondbacks should be ready for some contact if he gets the game-winner. The stunning bomb he crushed in Cleveland was part of the Guardians’ successful 2022 season, which saw them finish 92-70 and win the AL Central. Francona was named Manager of the Year that season.
Francona stepped down as manager of the Guardians following the 2023 season, and the squad has already traded Naylor. In his final season with Cleveland, he hit 31 home runs, 108 RBI, and 84 runs scored, finishing with an OPS+ of 118 and 1.5 WAR.
The Diamondbacks were looking for a new first baseman after losing Christian Walker in free agency. The veteran Gold Glover played eight seasons for the Diamondbacks before signing a three-year, $60 million contract with the Astros this offseason.
Despite making the playoffs for the second time in 12 years in 2023, the Diamondbacks were defeated 4-1 by the Texas Rangers in the World Series. Last season, Arizona was unable to overcome a difficult division, missing the playoffs entirely.
Perhaps Naylor will provide a fresh spark to the club. Just stay away from the 27-year-old All-Star during post-game festivities.
