Josh Naylor On Why Guardians Will Bounce Back In 2024

Josh Naylor is confident the Cleveland Guardians will have a resurgent 2024 season.

The Cleveland Guardians came into last season fresh off an ALDS appearance with the youngest roster in baseball. Fans were ready for another big summer and anticipating this young group to make another jump in 2023. 

However, that wasn't the case. Cleveland finished last season with a 76-86 record, third in the AL Central, and missed out on the playoffs. It was undoubtedly a disappointing season, but there's plenty of reason to have hope that the Guardians will be a contender again in 2024.

Josh Naylor appeared on the Cleveland Guardians Podcast at Guards Fest and explained why he's confident the team will bounce back in 2024. He knows that last year didn't pan out how the group wanted it to, but they're ready to come back get back where they want to be.

"It's just the drive each player has. We kind of got punched in the face a few times last year and things happen. Certain years don't go as planned as they can, but it’s up to you to kind of find that fire in you and take that punch and throw a counter punch," said Naylor.

"We work hard together and then we encourage each other. We love this game as a team and we love competing as a team and winning as a team so I think this year is going to be awesome."

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

Something that especially has Naylor excited about the new season is the staff that rookie manager Stephen Vogt has assembled.

"We have a new staff, kind of a whole rebuild on the staff which is great. We’re looking forward to all the new experiences and opportunities we all go through together as a group and the relationships that are built with each other. and getting to know people here and there and then getting to know us as a team so I’m excited for this year."

Of course, the 2023 season was full of injuries to key players such as Triston McKenzie, Shane Bieber, and Naylor himself. Hopefully, with a healthy squad and a group hungry for success, Cleveland will finish 2024 top of the AL Central once again.