Yankees trade pitch secures Guardians’ 31-HR All-Star to replace Anthony Rizzo

The New York Yankees will likely lose a number of veterans before Opening Day in 2025.

The team has already seen superstar slugger Juan Soto trade to the New York Mets in a historic $765 million deal. And two of his everyday infielders from last season, Gleyber Torres and Anthony Rizzo, are also exploring free agency.

It seems likely that the Yankees will part ways with Rizzo, as there are a number of first base upgrades looking for new contracts, including Pete Alonso and Christian Walker. And they could also turn to the trade market to find a Rizzo replacement, with Newsweek’s Zach Pressnell suggesting a deal that would bring in Cleveland Guardians first baseman Josh Naylor in exchange for prospects Cade Smith and Jorbit Vivas would.

“As the Yankees seek an expensive trade involving outfielder Cody Bellinger and a third baseman in free agency, they may need to save money at first base,” Pressnell wrote. “Enter Cleveland Guardians first baseman Josh Naylor, who is rumored to be on the trade block this offseason.”

In his most productive big league season to date, the 27-year-old Naylor slashed .243/.320/.456 with 31 home runs and 108 RBI, earning his first All-Star appearance. However, he is expected to make $14.2 million in 2025 for his final arbitration-eligible season before becoming a free agent, and the Guardians could look to trade him for one trading controllable talent before moving on to a bigger contract elsewhere.

If they were to add Smith to such a deal, they would be getting the Yankees’ 13th-best prospect, a 22-year-old righty who posted a 3.65 ERA in the minors in 2024. And in Vivas, they would get the Yankees’ 17th-best prospect, a 23-year-old infielder who hit .225/.347/.366 in 347 Triple-A at-bats last season.

If the Guardians see these two pieces as profitable additions to their own farm system, that could be enough in return for Naylor. The Yankees may not be willing to give up much more on a one-year rental without extending Naylor.

A sticking point in a deal could be a bitter history between Naylor and Yankees franchise ace Gerrit Cole after the first baseman went wild after a home run against Cole. But if the addition of Naylor makes the Yankees better, Cole might be inclined to put the past behind him.

“If bringing Naylor to the Bronx is the best thing to do business-wise, Cole and Naylor would just have to find a solution,” Pressnell added.

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