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Red Sox Told to Land Diamondbacks’ $100M Slugger to Solve First Base Need

Originally posted on Athlon Sports | By Sterling Bennett | Last updated Jun 23, 2025 3:30 PM ET

Now that over $250 million is off the books following the Rafael Devers trade, the Boston Red Sox are in a position to be one of the most active teams at the trade deadline and even free agency.

Best-case scenario? Boston pulls off another blockbuster and climbs to the top of the AL East. While it's possible, it’s a long shot. A more likely outcome is an aggressive free agency push to add multiple impact players.

The first name that comes to mind is Chicago Cubs’ superstar Kyle Tucker, but not knowing chief baseball officer Craig Breslow’s plans for the outfield, the focus shifts elsewhere.

Boston is still trying to fill the void at first base after Triston Casas’ season-ending knee injury. Abraham Toro and Romy Gonzalez have performed commendably; however, finding a sustainable solution at first base is imperative for both the present and future.

There is no promise that Casas returns from his ruptured patellar tendon, leaving uncertainty for the future at first base, and according to Connor Ryan of Boston.com, Arizona Diamondbacks’ slugger Josh Naylor is an ideal replacement.

"Naylor has established himself as one of the more underrated hitters in baseball over the last few seasons," Ryan wrote. "In 2023, he batted .308 with 17 home runs and 97 RBI with the Cleveland Guardians, following that up with 31 home runs and 108 RBI in 2024 with Cleveland. So far in 2025 with Arizona, Naylor is batting .300 and is on pace for 19 home runs and 104 RBI. Even if his defense at first isn't strong, the 28-year-old Naylor would be a strong addition to the lineup, especially at an area of weakness on the roster."

According to Spotrac, Naylor is projected to receive a five-year, $100 million contract this offseason. At 28 years old, a $20 million average annual value would rank as the eighth-highest among first basemen and equal Christian Walker’s three-year, $60 million deal signed with the Houston Astros heading into 2025. It may sound like a steep investment, but with the going rate for first basemen and the lack of certainty around Casas’ future, signing Naylor is an intriguing option for the Red Sox.

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

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