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 at one point with the Arizona Diamondbacks. Naylor is a notable figure in Canadian baseball.

Sections (2)

Full Timeline Career & Achievements

2015: Signed with Marlins and Assigned to Gulf Coast Marlins

After graduating on June 25, 2015, Naylor signed with the Miami Marlins for a reported signing bonus of $2.25 million. He was then assigned to the Gulf Coast Marlins of the Rookie-level Gulf Coast League and in 25 games he posted a .327 batting average with one home run and 16 RBIs.

2015: Drafted by Miami Marlins

In 2015, the Miami Marlins selected Naylor with the 12th overall pick in the MLB draft.

July 29, 2016: Traded to San Diego Padres

On July 29, 2016, the Miami Marlins traded Naylor, Carter Capps, Jarred Cosart, and Luis Castillo to the San Diego Padres in exchange for Andrew Cashner, Colin Rea, Tayron Guerrero, and cash considerations. Naylor was then assigned to the Lake Elsinore Storm.

2016: Suspension and All-Star Futures Game Selection

In 2016, Naylor began the season with the Greensboro Grasshoppers. In June of 2016 he was suspended without pay after injuring teammate Stone Garrett with a knife as part of a prank. He was also selected to appear in the 2016 All-Star Futures Game.

2016: Traded to Padres

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

2017: World Baseball Classic and Promotion to San Antonio Missions

In 2017, Naylor played for Team Canada in the World Baseball Classic and started the season with Lake Elsinore. In July 2017, the Padres promoted him to the San Antonio Missions.

2018: Returns to San Antonio and Plays as Outfielder

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

May 24, 2019: Promoted to Major Leagues and MLB Debut

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

2019: MLB Debut

In 2019, Naylor made his MLB debut for the San Diego Padres.

August 31, 2020: Traded to Cleveland Indians

On August 31, 2020, the Padres traded Naylor, along with Austin Hedges, Cal Quantrill, and minor league players Gabriel Arias, Owen Miller, and Joey Cantillo, to the Cleveland Indians.