For 4 video games at first of the 2026 season, the Cleveland Guardians obtained a first-hand take a look at their previous buddy Josh Naylor.
While it wasn’t the primary time the Guardians had seen Naylor since he was traded away two winters ago, it was the primary time they’d seen him since Seattle turned his long-term dwelling because of the five-year, $92.5 million contract he signed with the M’s in the offseason.
And Naylor’s efficiency in that sequence left lots of be desired for Mariners fans.
After ending final season on a tear for the Mariners, Naylor began the season by going 0-for-15 in opposition to the Guardians with three walks. He entered play on Friday simply 1-for-27 with 5 strikeouts after laying one other egg in Seattle’s ensuing sequence in opposition to the Yankees.
Sure, it’s solely a six-game stretch in an 162-game season, however Naylor’s season-opening hunch is causing a fair bit of anxiety throughout the Pacific Northwest.
Those struggles should be a bit bittersweet for Guardians fans. On one hand, Naylor’s struggles have clearly restricted the Mariners and performed a big half in Cleveland splitting their season-opening series at T-Mobile Park.
But, however, Naylor’s struggles can be a bit powerful to observe for a great portion of the Guardians’ fan base given how a lot of a fan favourite he nonetheless is.
The Guardians have benefited from Josh Naylor’s early season struggles
Last 12 months was Naylor on the peak of his powers, as he completed the 12 months with a .295 common with 20 dwelling runs, 95 RBI and 30 steals throughout 147 video games with the D-backs and Mariners.
Even if his underlying metrics left a bit to be desired, he obtained the job completed within the common season earlier than reaching another level in the postseason (.340 batting common, three dwelling runs).
He was in a position to parlay that into the aforementioned contract that confirmed he was part of Seattle’s long-term future.
When he made his return to Progressive Field final 12 months, Naylor stated that he simply wished to go somewhere where he was appreciated. That place ended up being Seattle.
But all of the constructive momentum he gained final season appears to have passed by the wayside because of his tough begin to the season. While he’s solely struck out six occasions and has nonetheless generated 4 walks, he isn’t hitting the ball with a lot authority.
Only six of the 22 balls that he’s put in play have left the infield, considered one of which was his lone hit, which got here in opposition to Yankees starter Max Fried.
Naylor’s struggles have come at a time when the remainder of the Mariners’ lineup can be scuffling, as Naylor, Cal Raleigh and Julio Rodríguez, have mixed to go 7-for-78 (.089) this season with zero dwelling runs.
At some level all three of them will get up from their collective slumps. They’re too good to not. But these struggles have set the tone for a season that’s basically championship or bust for the one lively MLB workforce that hasn’t made the World Series.
And whereas the Mariners aren’t in the identical division because the Guardians, Cleveland might nonetheless find yourself jockeying with them for a Wild Card spot and/or postseason seeding.
Again, the Mariners will get up sooner or later. But the Guardians did a great job getting an early leg up on Seattle, and so they have Naylor to thank for it.
