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 Major League Baseball (MLB). Previously, he played for the Arizona Diamondbacks and the San Diego Padres. Naylor's career in MLB has seen him become known for his hitting ability and fielding skills at first base.

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Full Timeline Career & Achievements

2012: Silver Medal at Under-18 Baseball World Cup

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 and All-American Games

In 2014, Josh Naylor was selected for the MLB Junior Select Home Run Derby during MLB All-Star Week, becoming the first Canadian to participate, and finished in second place. Later in 2014, he appeared in the Perfect Game All-American Classic at Petco Park and the Under Armour All-America Baseball Game at Wrigley Field.

2014: Bronze Medal at Under-18 Baseball World Cup

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

2015: Competed in Under-18 Baseball World Cup

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

2015: Signed with the Miami Marlins

In 2015, Josh Naylor was selected by the Miami Marlins in the first round of the MLB draft and signed with them after graduating on June 25 for a $2.25 million signing bonus. He was then assigned to the Gulf Coast Marlins.

July 29, 2016: Traded to the San Diego Padres

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

2016: Suspension After Prank

In 2016, Josh 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 selected to appear in the 2016 All-Star Futures Game.

2016: Traded to the San Diego 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 Missions

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

2018: Returns to San Antonio and Position Change

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

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

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

2019: MLB Debut

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

August 31, 2020: Traded to the Cleveland Indians

On August 31, 2020, Josh Naylor was traded to the Cleveland Indians along with Austin Hedges, Cal Quantrill, and minor league players in exchange for Mike Clevinger, Greg Allen, and Matt Waldron. He also recorded five hits in his first five career postseason plate appearances in the 2020 American League Wild Card Series.

2020: Traded to Cleveland

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

2020: Appearances for San Diego

In 2020, Josh Naylor made appearances for San Diego, batting .278/.316/.417 with one home run, four RBI, and one stolen base.

May 9, 2022: Historic Two Home Run Game

On May 9, 2022, in a game against the Chicago White Sox, Josh Naylor became the first player in Major League history to hit two three-run home runs or grand slams in the ninth inning or later of the same game, and the first player to have at least eight RBI in the eighth inning or later 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: Traded to the Arizona Diamondbacks

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

2024: Career Highs in Home Runs and RBI

During the 2024 campaign, Josh Naylor made 152 appearances for the Guardians, hitting .243/.320/.456 with career-highs in home runs (31) and RBI (108).

2024: MLB All-Star and Trade to Arizona

In 2024, Josh Naylor was an MLB All-Star. After the 2024 season, the Cleveland Guardians traded him to the Arizona Diamondbacks.

2025: Competitive Balance Draft Pick

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.