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Red Sox Could Target 31-Home Run First Baseman

Originally posted on Athlon Sports | By Sam Bernardi | Last updated Jul 15, 2025 4:00 PM ET

Suddenly, the Boston Red Sox look like trade deadline buyers.

After starting the season 43-45, the Red Sox have ripped off series sweeps of the Washington Nationals, the Colorado Rockies, and the Tampa Bay Rays and head to the All-Star break at 53-45, just three games back of the Toronto Blue Jays for the American League East lead.

Inferior competition helped during this run, but Boston has to feel good about itself, particularly with the return of third baseman Alex Bregman. Now, the Red Sox can focus on adding another starting pitcher, a reliever, or bolstering their infield.

Logan Mullen of NESN listed Arizona Diamondbacks first baseman Josh Naylor as one of three potential trade targets, along with starting pitchers Zac Gallen and Merrill Kelly. While either Gallen or Kelly could help Boston, let’s focus on what Naylor would bring.

Naylor, 28, is proving that his 31-home run, 108-RBI 2024 output was no fluke. That was with the Cleveland Guardians, and in his first and potentially final season in Arizona, he has a .294 batting average, an .817 OPS, a 127 OPS+, 11 home runs, 11 stolen bases, and 35 walks to 46 strikeouts.

He does come with risk, and there are no guarantees he would suit up for the Red Sox beyond this year. But, with Triston Casas expected back for the start of 2026, why not take a flyer on a productive, veteran, left-handed bat?

If the Diamondbacks enter the deadline feeling uninspired about their odds of reaching the postseason, expect Naylor’s name to circulate trade rumors heavily.

This article first appeared on Athlon Sports and was syndicated with permission.

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