The Cleveland Guardians offense was both punchless and hopeless for the season’s first few weeks.
Most of their potent run-producers and table-setters were ice-cold, and that heavily affected their offensive output.
However, the unit has had a renaissance in recent days and games, led by first baseman Josh Naylor.
With another four-hit performance on Wednesday against the Oakland Athletics, Naylor’s season line is already up to .295/.338/.464 with nine home runs.
He was struggling to stay over .200 just a few weeks ago, and is now close to the .300 threshold.
Naylor has been red-hot as of late, but perhaps the most useful indicator of how important he has been to keep runs coming in Cleveland are his 55 RBI.
On Wednesday, he went 4-for-4 with a homer and two RBI.
According to Cleveland Stats, Naylor ranks highly in most offensive stats amongst American League first basemen.
Josh Naylor:
#1 in Cheerleading for Brother Bo 🎥
#1 in RBI (amongst ALL MLB 1st Basemen)
#2 in BA (amongst AL 1st Basemen)
#3 in OPS (amongst AL 1st Basemen)
#10 in All-Star Voting (amongst AL 1st Basemen) ⁉️🚨pic.twitter.com/Xq1KCVyXbN
— Cleveland Stats (@CLE_STATS) June 22, 2023
He is in the top three in batting average, RBI, and OPS (not to mention in cheerleading for his brother Bo, recently called up by the Guardians, as shown in the video), yet fans have not caught up with his offensive prowess judging by how he ranks in voting for the All-Star Game.
Somehow, Naylor is tenth among first baseman in All-Star Game voting.
Perhaps his extended slump to open the season played a role in keeping his stats and rates down and that influenced voters’ minds.
The reality is different now: Naylor has been one of the best hitters of the last month in baseball.
NEXT:
Video Shows A Wholesome Guardians Moment