Guardians’ Josh Naylor Not On MLB Network’s Top 10 First Basemen List

Despite ranking top-10 among his position in a slew of categories last season (minimum 120 games played), the Cleveland first baseman was not named one of MLB's 10 best first basemen ahead of the 2024 season.

On Thursday night, MLB Network revealed its “Top 10 Players Right Now” for first basemen ahead of the 2024 Major League Baseball season.

However, one notable name was absent from the list.

After having a superb season last year, Cleveland Guardians first baseman Josh Naylor was not named a top-10 player at the position right now.

Here is MLB Network’s list of the 10 best first basemen in MLB at the moment.

1. Freddie Freeman, Los Angeles Dodgers
2. Bryce Harper, Philadelphia Phillies
3. Matt Olson, Atlanta Braves
4. Paul Goldschmidt, St. Louis Cardinals
5. Yandy Díaz, Tampa Bay Rays
6. Pete Alonso, New York Mets
7. Vladimir Guerrero Jr., Toronto Blue Jays
8. Brandon Belt, Free Agent
9. Christian Walker, Arizona Diamondbacks
10. Triston Casas, Boston Red Sox

In 2023, the 26-year-old Naylor had the best season of his MLB career so far. He ranked top-10 among first basemen (minimum 120 games played) in the following categories:

• Fewest strikeouts (68, first)
• Batting average (.308, second)
• Intentional walks (nine, second)
• Sacrifice flies (seven, third)
• OPS (.843, fourth)
• Fewest GIDP (11, tied for fourth)
• Stolen bases (10, fifth)
• Slugging percentage (.489, sixth)
• Doubles (31, tied for sixth)
• RBI (97, tied for sixth)
• On-base percentage (.354, seventh)
• Hits (139, ninth)

Jul 18, 2023; Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA; Cleveland Guardians first baseman Josh Naylor (22) hits a three run home run against the Pittsburgh Pirates during the first inning at PNC Park / © Charles LeClaire-USA TODAY Sports

Naylor also hit 17 home runs for the Guardians last season. He ended up receiving the 2023 James “Tip” O’Neill Award for being the premier Canadian baseball player of the year. 

Additionally, Naylor became just the fourth player in Cleveland franchise history to hit at least .305 with at least 95 RBI in 125-or-fewer games played in a season.

After his remarkable performance last year, Guardians fans are hopeful that the fan favorite will be able to build onto his 2023 campaign and potentially earn his first career MLB All-Star selection this season.