The Arizona Diamondbacks are gearing up for an exciting MLB season with the addition of first baseman Josh Naylor, who was acquired in an offseason trade.
As the team prepares for the season opener at Chase Field in four weeks, Naylor is already making a significant impression on his new teammates and coaching staff. This blog post delves into Naylor’s transition to the Diamondbacks, his impact on the team, and the expectations for the upcoming season.
Josh Naylor’s Arrival in Arizona
Josh Naylor joined the Arizona Diamondbacks following a trade with the Cleveland Guardians, which saw pitcher Slade Cecconi and a competitive balance B draft pick move in the opposite direction.
Naylor, known for his power hitting, is expected to fill the void left by Christian Walker’s departure in free agency. During his introductory press conference, Naylor expressed his admiration for the talent on Arizona’s roster and has since been impressed by his new teammates’ work ethic.
Adapting to a New Team
Naylor has been acclimating quickly, focusing on alignments and concepts essential for his role at first base.
He has praised the team’s dedication, noting that while they might not be the flashiest players, their hard work and intent are evident in every practice and game.
“There’s a lot of fun that goes into it also,” Naylor shared during an interview with Arizona Sports. “A lot of hard work, a lot of intent. The focus is through the roof.”
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“Again, it’s not just everyone’s serious and doing the work, everyone’s having fun but also intentional in every little detail of the defense, cage work, (batting practice). There’s intent behind everything, which is super awesome,” Naylor added.
Manager Torey Lovullo’s Observations
Manager Torey Lovullo has been closely monitoring Naylor’s progress and integration into the team.
Lovullo first noticed Naylor’s commitment on the second day of camp when Naylor dove for a ground ball during workouts. This level of effort has continued, with Naylor making impressive defensive plays, such as a sliding dig on a play from shortstop Geraldo Perdomo.
Defensive Expectations
While Naylor is known for his offensive prowess, his defense at first base will be under scrutiny, especially given Walker’s excellence in that area.
Walker’s ability to assist infielders was unparalleled since the start of 2022, and Naylor is working hard to meet this high standard.
Lovullo has emphasized the importance of defensive culture within the team, stating that “when everybody’s doing it, it’s very contagious.” This culture is evident in the team’s consistent work on defensive drills in the backfields.
Teammates’ Impressions
Naylor’s new teammates have also shared their positive impressions. Outfielder Corbin Carroll, in an interview with Arizona Sports’ Burns & Gambo, highlighted Naylor’s skills and character.
He stated that “Josh is a great player, and getting to know him so far, seems like a really good person, too. I’m excited to see what you can do. He can really hit.”
Offensive Contributions
Over the past three seasons, Naylor has hit 68 home runs with an OPS of .795, showcasing his ability to contribute significantly to the team’s offense.
His addition is seen as a win-now move for the Diamondbacks, providing a veteran presence in the lineup. Naylor’s goal is to put together good at-bats, play solid defense, and be an encouraging presence on the bench, especially for the younger players.
“If they have questions, answer in detail to help them. One thing you say to them that just clicks for them — and they take off in their career whether it’s here or elsewhere,” Naylor explained.
Preparing for Opening Day
As the Diamondbacks prepare for the season opener, Naylor is testing himself daily in practice games and drills.
He is focused on refining his approach, experimenting with new defensive alignments, and continuously improving.
Looking Ahead to 2025
Naylor has his sights set on a big 2025 season, both personally and for the Diamondbacks. His commitment to daily improvement and his positive influence on the team are expected to play a crucial role in the Diamondbacks’ success.
The team’s focus on hard work, intent, and a strong defensive culture sets a solid foundation for the upcoming season.
To stay updated on Josh Naylor’s journey with the Arizona Diamondbacks and other MLB news, visit Arizona Sports.
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