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How Guardians’ Josh Naylor has become a superstar in 2024

Originally posted on ClutchPoints | By Joey Mistretta | Last updated 4/23/24

The Cleveland Guardians, despite losing ace Shane Bieber to Tommy John surgery, have the best record in MLB as of this story’s writing. So how are the Guardians, who feature one of the lowest payrolls in the sport, finding so much success? Well, they have certainly utilized a complete team effort, but the contributions from first baseman Josh Naylor can not be ignored either.

Naylor, 26, is playing at an All-Star level so far in 2024. He’s quietly been one of the best hitters in MLB since 2023. In fact, MLB Network reveled that Naylor’s .340 batting average since May 15, 2023 leads all of baseball among qualified hitters during that time.

Stars such as Freddie Freeman, Luis Arraez, Mookie Betts, Ronald Acuna Jr., and Shohei Ohtani are also among the leaders, but it is Naylor who holds the highest batting average during that span.

In 2024, Naylor is currently slashing .325/.393/.623/1.017. His 1.017 OPS and 197 OPS-plus lead the league, per Baseball Reference. He does not always produce much over-the-fence power. In 2023, he hit just 17 home runs, but added 31 doubles. Naylor, however, is emerging as one of the best pure hitters in the sport.

Jose Ramirez is still the best player on the Guardians, but Naylor is making a case to be mentioned among the superstars in MLB.

Josh Naylor’s aggressive approach at the plate

Cleveland Guardians designated hitter Josh Naylor (22) reacts after hitting a two-run home run in the fifth inning against the Oakland Athletics at Progressive Field. David Richard-USA TODAY Sports

Former players Mark DeRosa and Sean Casey recently provided a breakdown of Naylor’s offensive approach on MLB Network.

“What I have noticed of him different from (2021) and (2022), he didn’t hit lefties that well,” Casey said.

Casey then revealed that Naylor’s batting stance is a bit more closed in 2024, which helps him see the ball a bit longer out of the pitcher’s hand.

“The crazy thing is, he’s gotten way more aggressive,” DeRosa added.

MLB Network then proceeded to show Naylor getting extra-base hits on first pitches of at-bats.

“He is coming un-glued in early counts.”

With a .340 AVG, Josh Naylor is leading all of baseball since May 15, 2023 (min. 400 PA) @markdero7 and @TheMayorsOffice step into the Skybox to take a look at the @CleGuardians slugger's continued success. #MLBCentral pic.twitter.com/GfGlRJuzj8

— MLB Network (@MLBNetwork) April 23, 2024

They are making the point that Josh Naylor is taking a hitter’s count (2-1, 2-0, 3-1) approach on the first or second pitch of an at-bat. Naylor recently explained this approach while speaking with Bally Sports Cleveland.

“Being selectively aggressive is key,” Naylor said. “Sometimes the first pitch you get is one of the better pitches you are going to see all day. You kind of trust in your ability that you can hit it. And you’re kind of confident enough in your swing, your body positioning, your balance, that you can get to this pitch… Maybe take your shot.”

Guardians react to Naylor’s hot start

Cleveland Guardians designated hitter Jose Ramirez (11, left) celebrates with first baseman Josh Naylor (22, middle) and first baseman David Fry (6, right) following an 8-0 victory against the Seattle Mariners at T-Mobile Park. Joe Nicholson-USA TODAY Sports

Guardians president of baseball operations Chris Antonetti and manager Stephen Vogt addressed Naylor’s hot start to the 2024 season, via Bally Sports Cleveland.

“I think we’re seeing Josh continue to develop into one of the best hitters in the American League,” Antonetti said. “There’s really not much in the batter’s box that he’s not capable of doing. He obviously hits for average… now is impacting the ball at really productive angles. Does a really good job with two strikes. When runners are on base he puts the ball in play. So he’s really continued to develop into a really, really good hitter. And he has infectious energy.”

“He takes pride in playing everyday versus left (left-handed pitchers), versus right (right-handed pitchers),” Vogt said. “This guy can just hit, flat-out hit. It’s a credit to him and the work he’s put in, but also just his tenacity and focus. Man, he loves the big moment and he comes through for us. It’s awesome.”

Josh Naylor is emerging as a superstar. Meanwhile, the Guardians are playing a quality brand of baseball. It is a long season and anything can happen, but Cleveland has to feel great about their position at the moment.

This article first appeared on ClutchPoints and was syndicated with permission.

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