Rise to Success: Career Highlights of Josh Naylor

Discover the career path of Josh Naylor, from the first major opportunity to industry-changing achievements.

Josh Naylor is a Canadian professional baseball first baseman currently playing for the Cleveland Guardians in MLB. He previously played for the San Diego Padres and was initially with the Arizona Diamondbacks. Known for his hitting prowess and defensive skills at first base, Naylor has established himself as a valuable player in Major League Baseball. He represents a notable Canadian presence in professional baseball.

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Full Timeline Career & Achievements

2012: U-18 Baseball World Cup Silver Medal

In 2012, at the age of 15, Josh Naylor won the silver medal at the Under-18 Baseball World Cup held in South Korea as part of the Canadian junior national baseball team.

2014: MLB Junior Select Home Run Derby

In 2014, Josh Naylor was selected for the MLB Junior Select Home Run Derby during the MLB All-Star Week at Target Field, finishing in second place. He also appeared in the Perfect Game All-American Classic and the Under Armour All-America Baseball Game.

2014: U-18 Baseball World Cup Bronze Medal

In 2014, Josh Naylor won the bronze medal at the Under-18 Baseball World Cup.

2015: U-18 Baseball World Cup Participation

In 2015, Josh Naylor competed in the Under-18 Baseball World Cup.

2015: Signed with the Marlins

In 2015, Josh Naylor signed with the Miami Marlins after graduating, receiving a $2.25 million signing bonus and being assigned to the Gulf Coast Marlins.

July 29, 2016: Traded to the Padres

On July 29, 2016, Josh Naylor was traded by the Marlins to the San Diego Padres, along with other players, in exchange for Andrew Cashner and others. He was then assigned to the Lake Elsinore Storm.

2016: Suspension and All-Star Futures Game Selection

In 2016, Josh Naylor began the season with the Greensboro Grasshoppers. In June, he was suspended after injuring a teammate in a prank. He was also selected to appear in the 2016 All-Star Futures Game.

2016: Traded to the Padres

In 2016, Josh Naylor was traded by the Miami Marlins to the San Diego Padres.

2017: World Baseball Classic and Promotion to San Antonio

In 2017, Josh Naylor played for Team Canada in the World Baseball Classic and began the season with Lake Elsinore before being promoted to the San Antonio Missions in July.

2018: Returns to San Antonio and plays as outfielder

In 2018, Josh Naylor returned to San Antonio and began playing as an outfielder.

May 24, 2019: MLB Promotion and Debut

On May 24, 2019, Josh Naylor was promoted to the major leagues for the first time and made his MLB debut versus the Toronto Blue Jays that night.

2019: MLB Debut

In 2019, Josh Naylor made his Major League Baseball (MLB) debut.

August 31, 2020: Trade to Cleveland Indians

On August 31, 2020, Josh Naylor was traded to the Cleveland Indians along with other players, in exchange for Mike Clevinger and others. He also set a MLB record during the 2020 American League Wild Card Series.

2020: Traded to Cleveland

During the 2020 season, Josh Naylor was traded from the San Diego Padres to the Cleveland Guardians.

2020: Appearance for San Diego

In 2020, Josh Naylor made appearances for San Diego, batting .278.

May 9, 2022: Historic Performance Against White Sox

On May 9, 2022, Josh Naylor became the first player in MLB history to hit two three-run home runs or grand slams in the ninth inning or later of the same game against the Chicago White Sox. He also achieved a record for RBIs in the late innings since 1920.

January 13, 2023: Contract Agreement with Guardians

On January 13, 2023, Josh Naylor agreed to a one-year, $3.35 million contract with the Guardians, avoiding salary arbitration.

December 21, 2024: Trade to the Arizona Diamondbacks

On December 21, 2024, the Guardians traded Josh Naylor to the Arizona Diamondbacks in exchange for Slade Cecconi and a competitive balance draft pick in the 2025 Major League Baseball draft.