Josh Naylor, the Arizona Diamondbacks’ newly acquired first baseman, has officially arrived at Salt River Fields for Spring Training, ready to step into his new role and fill the big shoes left by Christian Walker. The 27-year-old was acquired in the offseason from the Cleveland Guardians and is eager to make an impact in his first year with the Diamondbacks.
Naylor, who was a key part of the Guardians’ postseason run last year, is no stranger to big moments. Having been named to his first All-Star Game in 2024, Naylor is looking to build on that success in Arizona. “I knew he was a phenomenal leader,” Naylor said about Walker. “I would love to fill that role and step in those shoes and become that leader that he was in the locker room. I’m not going to change the player I am. I’m just gonna be myself and grow the most I can here.”
Replacing Walker, who spent eight seasons with the Diamondbacks, is no small task, but Naylor is up for the challenge. Known for his powerful bat, Naylor posted a career-high 31 home runs last season with the Guardians, though his batting average dropped to .245. The slugger is focused on improving his consistency at the plate this season and is aiming to combine power with a higher average. “The year before I was able to hit .300,” Naylor explained. “I didn’t have as many homers. I went into last season trying to hit a little bit more homers, knowing my average would fluctuate a little bit. This year my goal is just to put both together.”
As Spring Training gets underway, Naylor is working hard to integrate himself into the Diamondbacks’ lineup and grow alongside the team. With pitchers and catchers officially reporting to camp on Wednesday, the Diamondbacks are gearing up for their first Spring Training game against the Colorado Rockies on Friday, Feb. 21. Naylor is focused on making the most of the opportunity and contributing to the team’s success in 2025.
The pressure is on, but with a solid track record and a determination to grow, Naylor is ready to embrace the challenge of becoming the Diamondbacks’ next leader at first base.