Guardians Reporter Offers Erie Outlook On All-Star's Future In Cleveland

Andre Knott talks about Josh Naylor's uncertain future with the Cleveland Guardians.

Sep 2, 2024; Kansas City, Missouri, USA; Cleveland Guardians first baseman Josh Naylor (22) hits a double during the eighth inning against the Kansas City Royals at Kauffman Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jay Biggerstaff-Imagn Images / Jay Biggerstaff-Imagn Images

Another offseason for the Cleveland Guardians means more trade rumors and uncertainty surrounding some of the team's core players. One decision the front office needs to make is how Josh Naylor will factor into the team's future.

Andre Knott of Bally Sports appeared on ESPN Cleveland earlier this week and offered his perspective on the Naylor-Guardians situation. The team's sideline reporter presents an erie outlook for Naylor's future in Cleveland.

"Everybody loves Josh that knows him. But there's always a sign with the Cleveland baseball team that if you go into a year and they haven't offered you anything or made a move, we all kind of know what comes next," said Knott.

Oct 19, 2024; Cleveland, Ohio, USA; Cleveland Guardians first base Josh Naylor (22) celebrates after scoring a run during the second inning against the New York Yankees during game five of the ALCS for the 2024 MLB playoffs at Progressive Field. Mandatory Credit: David Dermer-Imagn Images / David Dermer-Imagn Images

"It's unfortunate. It's how things work here. I don't know what's going to happen with Josh, but I will say, they haven't signed him [to a contract extension], they've got Manzardo, they've got the kid down at Triple-A that everybody loves that right fielder that hits from the left-hand side [Chase DeLauter], and [Josh] is aware. The boys are aware. And these boys aren't stupid. The players, they're really aware of how contracts work."

The Guardians moving on from a player heading into their final year of team control is something we've seen the team do in the past. Just look at how Trevor Bauer, Mike Clevinger, and Francisco Lindor's time in Cleveland came to an end.

.@DreKnott talks about Josh Naylor's future with the Cleveland Guardians...

"Everybody loves Josh but there's always a sign with the Cleveland baseball team..." pic.twitter.com/oJyybFRJDA

— ESPN Cleveland (@ESPNCleveland) October 21, 2024

If the team does move on from their All-Star first baseman, they already have his replacement in Kyle Manzardo. Cleveland's strong first base depth throughout the organization is also something to consider when considering a possible Naylor trade.

Maybe a Naylor trade will happen, or maybe it won't, but Knott suggests the All-Star is aware of all possible that could come to fruition this winter.