Guardians option catcher Bo Naylor to Triple-A Columbus

Cleveland Guardians catcher Bo Naylor. David Richard-Imagn Images

Guardians option catcher Bo Naylor to Triple-A Columbus

By Vanessa Serrao | Last updated May 9, 2026 1:12 PM ET

The Cleveland Guardians have optioned Bo Naylor to Triple-A Columbus following the acquisition of two-time Gold Glove winner Patrick Bailey from the San Francisco Giants.

The decision to option Naylor to the minors was also on account of his .143 batting average and poor OPS of .438. Across 28 games, Naylor compiled two home runs and 7 RBIs. As well, his .095 ISO has showcased a lack of contact and power.

This prompted the Guardians to search for a defensive gem behind the dish. While Bailey isn't considered an offensive enhancement, his elite framing and blocking are why they acquired him.

The 26-year-old is in dire need of a reboot, who was only slashing .143/.200/.238. Bailey's top-tier defense (99th percentile in Fielding Run Value) will help to reset the Guardians' catcher situation. As well, having Bailey paired with veteran Austin Hedges will form an elite defense.

The Guardians have optioned Bo Naylor to Triple-A, per @ZackMeisel #GuardsBall pic.twitter.com/r3yrLujBqy
— SleeperGuardians (@SleeperGuards) May 9, 2026

Naylor falling short offensively motioned a change

The 26-year-old showed resurgence in September 2025, with a 136 wRC+ and .872 OPS. He also helped ignite the Guardians' playoff push. But his offensive woes in 2026 signaled that a defensive upgrade was essential to improve run prevention.

Sending Naylor to the minors will allow him to concentrate on finding the barrel with his swing in a low-pressure, familiar setting. Naylor solidified himself as a top prospect before making his debut in 2022.

The demotion comes following Naylor recently homering against the Kansas City Royals on May 7. Unfortunately, the home run wasn't enough to keep him on the MLB roster. When it comes down to it, his offensive production overall was flat and lacked consistency.

Vanessa Serrao

Serrao is a freelance baseball writer who has covered all MLB teams, with particular expertise on the Toronto Blue Jays. She is a member of the Internet Baseball Writers Association of America.

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