Various sources continue to talk about Josh Naylor and Lane Thomas being discussed in trade talks. Jeff Passan mentioned both players as potential trade targets. Jon Morosi and other Twitter rumor-mongers connected Naylor to Seattle and to the Cubs. Ken Rosenthal threw Naylor into a list of players the Yankees might consider at first base.
The bottom line: teams are hoping free agent first baseman are going to come down on their asking prices and using the Guardians’ willingness to talk about anyone as leverage with reporters starved for news.
The Guardians aren’t going to move Naylor unless there is enough value coming back to justify the move, including talent that helps the major league roster.