The San Francisco Giants have yet to entirely solve first base.
LaMonte Wade Jr. was supposed to hold down that spot this season, but he’s not even with the organization any longer after immense struggles. Rafael Devers could start to learn the spot, and Bryce Eldridge could eventually be called up.
But there’s a more straightforward option if the Giants feel like making a trade with a division rival.
The Arizona Diamondbacks have been rumored to be shopping Josh Naylor. And MLB.com’s Mark Feinsand thinks the Giants are a match (along with the Mariners, Rangers and Red Sox).
“Arizona has climbed back into the playoff race with a good start to June, leaving the Diamondbacks in striking distance of a Wild Card spot and still in the conversation in the NL West,” Feinsand writes. “But Naylor is one of more than a half-dozen impending free agents on the roster, and given that a number of teams could use a big corner-infield bat, it’s possible that Arizona could move Naylor (or Eugenio Suárez) and his expiring contract to address other needs.”
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The Giants, with Devers and Eldridge long term, actually need a guy exactly like Naylor. There won’t be any need to keep him past this year, but he can be very useful this season.
Naylor entered Wednesday night with a .302 average for the season in his first year with the Diamondbacks.
The big lefty slugger was a fan favorite in Cleveland, and he’s been known to celebrate his home runs with as much energy as anyone.
Naylor is also a proven postseason performer, which would be a great thing for the Giants to add to their squad.
Since his contract is expiring, the price would likely be just a middling prospect. The Giants should certainly at least make the call.
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