Yankees land perfect Anthony Rizzo replacement for Josh Naylor in blockbuster trade pitch

The New York Yankees opened a hole at first base when they decided not to pick up Anthony Rizzo’s 2025 club option. The Bronx Bombers have been speculating for weeks about who they would sign or trade for to fill Rizzo’s spot at first base.

With the Yankees seeking an expensive trade for outfielder Cody Bellinger and a third baseman in free agency, they may need to save money at first base. While free agent Christian Walker is the obvious answer, let’s think outside the box.

Enter Cleveland Guardians first baseman Josh Naylor, who is rumored to be on the trade block this offseason.

Here’s a deal that would send Naylor to the Bronx:

• New York Yankees receive: 1B Josh Naylor
• Cleveland Guardians receive: RHP Cade Smith (No. 13 prospect), INF Jorbit Vivas (No. 17 prospect)

The Guardians first baseman has posted a 118 OPS+ or better in each of the last three seasons. He is expected to receive about $14 million in arbitration this winter for 2025, which would be cheaper than Rizzo’s option or signing Walker.

For the Guardians, they would be acquiring two prospects to add to their farm system while also moving on from an expiring player. Smith is a 22-year-old right-handed hitter with multiple plus pitches and a high ceiling. Vivas could end up with the major league club after spring training. He has had an extensive minor league career that included a year out in 2024.

Naylor has a bitter history with Yankees star Gerrit Cole, but baseball is a business. If moving Naylor to the Bronx is the best thing for business, Cole and Naylor would simply have to find a solution. They get too much money not to sort things out. I don’t think their history would cause any problems, especially with Aaron Judge in the clubhouse.

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