The Cleveland Guardians have had multiple young players make an early, substantial impact for their team over the past two seasons.
For example, left fielder Steven Kwan has won two consecutive American League Gold Glove Awards to begin his MLB career, and finished third in the 2022 AL Rookie of the Year voting.
Starting pitcher Tanner Bibee was the 2023 American League Rookie of the Year runner-up, ranking third among MLB rookie pitchers (minimum 70.0 innings pitched) in wins (10), ERA (2.98), and strikeouts (141) this year.
In a recent article, MLB.com named each team’s most likely breakout star for next season.
Their prediction for the Guardians?
Bo Naylor.
Here is why MLB.com’s Mandy Bell believes that he is set to have a breakout campaign:
“Naylor has had half of a season in the Majors and can return to Spring Training with a level of confidence he wouldn’t have had in 2023. As a young catcher, you’re not only trying to learn how to hit Major League pitching, you’re also trying to learn a new pitching staff, figuring out how to call a big league game and making successful game plans, which can be overwhelming. Now, with experience and his brother Josh [Naylor], veteran catcher Austin Hedges and three former catchers on the coaching staff at his side, he should have ample resources to help break out in 2024.”
The 23-year-old catcher had a remarkable final 28 games to end the 2023 season.
Naylor’s 1.113 OPS in this span led the American League (minimum 90 plate appearances). He also hit .321 with eight doubles, seven home runs, and 18 RBI during this stretch.
Cleveland fans are hopeful that this type of production at the plate will continue next year.
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