Terry Francona-Josh Naylor reunion in doubt as others zero in on Reds' trade target

It's getting difficult to keep track of all the latest Cincinnati Reds rumors. The Reds have been linked to innumerable free agents and trade targets this winter, but one player who's been heavily connected to Cincinnati this offseason has been Josh Naylor.

The current Cleveland Guardians first baseman, who's in the final year of his arbitration window, has reportedly piqued the Reds' interest. Both Naylor and his teammate Lane Thomas are said to be on Cincinnati's radar. Naylor played for new Reds manager Terry Francona from 2020-2023 and has really tapped into his power the past three seasons.

Following Christian Encarnacion-Strand's lost season in 2024, there's a measure of uncertainty at first base. Naylor is an above-average defender and his low strikeout rate would be a welcome relief to the fans in Cincinnati who've watched an undisciplined approach at the plate from their favorite team over the past few seasons.

Reds' trade target Josh Naylor drawing interest from Mariners and Blue Jays

But the Reds aren't the only team who's interested in trading for Naylor. The Guardians slugger is drawing interest from the Seattle Mariners and Toronto Blue Jays. Both the Mariners and Blue Jays are looking to add some pop to their lineup, but the Guardians may have foiled the plans of all three ball clubs. Adam Jude of the Seattle Times is reporting that Cleveland may now hang on to Naylor after offloading Andres Gimenez's contract in their trade with Toronto just last week.

After a horrid offensive display in 2024, the Mariners have been in search of any type of bat they can get their hands on, but have yet to make an impact signing or pull off a blockbuster trade. The Blue Jays were embarrassed last season and finished last in the AL East. Toronto's superstar, Vladimir Guerrero Jr., will be a free agent after the 2025 season, and if the Blue Jays fall short of expectations again, they'll likely have to hit the reset button.

Reds fans are eager to see Nick Krall and the front office make a splash this winter, but other than trading Jonathan India to the Kansas City Royals, it's been a rather quiet offseason in the Queen City. Reuniting Francona and Naylor would be a step in the right direction, but the latest rumblings have put that possibility in doubt.

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