First Base Market Shakes Up 2025

The first base market has been turned on its head with blockbuster trades involving some of the most prominent names in baseball. The Houston Astros acquired Christian Walker, and the New York Yankees signed Paul Goldschmidt, sending ripples through the league. The Cleveland Guardians and Arizona Diamondbacks were also swept up in this whirlwind of transactions, reshaping their rosters and altering their strategies for the upcoming season.

Cleveland Guardians Trade Josh Naylor to the Diamondbacks

In a high-profile move, the Guardians traded Josh Naylor to the Diamondbacks in exchange for right-handed pitcher Slade Cecconi and a Competitive Balance pick (72nd overall). This trademarked a significant shift for Cleveland, as Naylor had been a cornerstone of their lineup. The Guardians acted swiftly, however, securing a replacement and setting their sights on the future.

Josh Naylor’s Journey to Arizona

The Diamondbacks acquired Josh Naylor to fill the void left by Christian Walker. Drafted in the first round by the Miami Marlins in 2015, Naylor’s career has been one of perseverance and growth. After stints with the Marlins, Padres, and Guardians, he became a pivotal player for Cleveland, especially during his All-Star seasons in 2023 and 2024.

• 2024 Season Highlights:
  • Slash Line: .243/.320/.456
  • 31 Home Runs (career high)
  • 108 RBIs
  • Advanced metrics placed him in the 54th percentile or better across most performance categories.

Naylor’s consistent power, ability to barrel the ball, and hard contact rates make him a promising addition to the Diamondbacks. At 28 years old, he appears poised for sustained success, making him a top target in fantasy drafts.

Why Did the Guardians Trade Naylor?

The trade wasn’t about Naylor’s talent but rather his contract situation. With free agency looming after 2025, the small-market Guardians prioritized getting value in return instead of risking losing him for nothing. Additionally, Cleveland has a promising first-base prospect in Kyle Manzardo, ready to step into a larger role.

Slade Cecconi: A Pitcher with Potential

Cecconi, a 2020 draft pick (33rd overall) by the Diamondbacks, has had an up-and-down journey in the minor leagues. His 6.66 ERA in 2024 raises questions, but there are bright spots:

• Low walk rate: 5% over 77 innings.
• Hard-hit percentage: 36.4%, indicating potential to limit damaging contact.
• Struggles with barrel rate and consistency persist, but the Guardians’ player development system could unlock his potential.

For fantasy baseball enthusiasts, Cecconi is a wait-and-see prospect, worth monitoring but not yet a high-priority draft pick.

Carlos Santana Returns to Cleveland

The Guardians reunited with veteran Carlos Santana, marking his third stint with the franchise. Despite being 38 years old, Santana’s 2024 season with the Twins showcased his enduring power and defensive capabilities:

• 23 Home Runs
• .749 OPS (OPS+ of 109)
• Ranked in the 97th percentile for Outs Above Average defensively.

However, Santana’s performance showed a sharp platoon split:

• Against right-handed pitchers: .219/.318/.356
• Against left-handed pitchers: .286/.356/.578

While his power remains formidable, his limited versatility and advancing age place him as a mid-tier fantasy option for corner infield roles.

Kyle Manzardo: The Future at First Base

Manzardo is Cleveland’s premier first-base prospect, with impressive minor-league stats. His postseason performance solidified his potential, although his brief MLB debut in 2024 was marked by early struggles. As a designated hitter or first baseman, Manzardo is expected to grow into a key player in Cleveland’s lineup. He is a high-upside fantasy pick in keeper and dynasty formats.

Ranking the Trio for Fantasy Baseball in 2025

1. Josh Naylor: A top-five contender among first basemen, Naylor’s power and consistency make him a must-have in early fantasy rounds.
2. Carlos Santana: A viable option for power and RBIs, though limited by age and platoon dependency.
3. Kyle Manzardo: A risky but rewarding pick with significant upside, particularly in long-term fantasy leagues.

Conclusion

The first base market’s upheaval has introduced exciting opportunities and challenges for teams and fantasy players alike. The Guardians, Diamondbacks, and Astros are all betting on their new acquisitions to pay dividends in 2025. Whether it’s Naylor’s power in Arizona, Santana’s steady veteran presence, or Manzardo’s breakout potential, this offseason has set the stage for a thrilling season ahead. Fantasy managers should keep a close eye on these developments as draft season approaches.