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Christian Walker, the Arizona Diamondbacks’ longtime starting first baseman, signed for the Houston Astros in free agency last week, but the team may have already found a successor.

Claiming to have traded for right-handed pitcher Slade Cecconi and a competitive balance Round B draft pick, the Cleveland Guardians reportedly sent first baseman Josh Naylor to the Diamondbacks.
Despite Walker’s superior defensive presence, Naylor, who is six years younger, should more than hold his own at the plate.

The Arizona Coyotes’ Walker won three gold gloves.

The defensive play is a little disappointing, but the Diamondbacks probably won’t be able to find a stronger replacement on the free agent market any time soon.

After this season, Naylor can sign with any team he wants.

In the three years he spent with the Guardians, he became a mainstay in the lineup and set a new career high with 31 home runs this year, one of two occasions he hit more than 20 home runs (the other being 17).
Whether he starts or stays in the bullpen, Cecconi will be a valuable asset to Cleveland’s pitching staff. During the 2024 season, he started thirteen games out of twenty total appearances.

Earlier this month, Cleveland traded for Luis Ortiz from the Pittsburgh Pirates, adding him to their rotation.

After dealing second baseman Andres Gimenez this offseason and losing Naylor, Cleveland will have a whole different right side of the infield to work with next season. In exchange for Spencer Horwitz, who was subsequently dealt to Pittsburgh for Oritz, Gimenez was moved to Toronto.