Canada’s Josh Naylor aims to keep improving with Diamondbacks

It’s been a busy off-season for Canadian first baseman Josh Naylor. The Mississauga, Ont. native got married and was traded for the third time in his pro baseball career.

But as the 2024 All-Star and some of his new Arizona Diamondbacks teammates got an early start to spring training on Monday, Naylor’s focus was on what lies ahead for the Snakes in 2025.

“It’s awesome. Unbelievable. I can’t wait to get to know everyone — all the coaches and stuff, too, and pick their brain a little bit and just learn what they know and absorb all the knowledge,” Naylor told reporters Monday about his excitement level in joining the Diamondbacks.

The 27-year-old was acquired from the Cleveland Guardians on Dec. 21 in exchange for right-handed pitcher Slade Cecconi and a 2025 Competitive Balance Round B draft pick.

Naylor had spent parts of the last five seasons with the Guardians, where he developed into a middle-of-the-order threat, culminating with a career-best 31 homers and 108 RBIs in 2024 — although he saw his batting average drop to .243.

In 2023, he hit .308 with 17 dingers, earning a down-ballot MVP vote and the Tip O’Neill Award as Canada’s top ballplayer. Selling out for the extra power was intentional, however, as Naylor admitted that he was chasing the long ball last summer. And he’s looking to blend the two approaches in his new home.

“I went into last season trying to hit more homers, knowing my average would fluctuate a little bit,” Naylor said, per USA Today’s Bob Nightengale. “This year, my goal is just to put both together.

“That’s probably the best answer. I want to be a complete hitter, have the .300 average, have the 30-plus homers, 100-plus RBIs.”

With Arizona, Naylor will be expected to step into the hole left by Christian Walker, who fled to the Houston Astros on a three-year, $60 million free-agent contract.

The Diamondbacks missed the post-season by way of a tiebreak in 2024, one year after their stunning trip to the World Series.

But with Naylor joining Corbin Burnes as Arizona’s key off-season acquisitions, there’s optimism that the D-backs will be able to compete in the loaded NL West.

“Hard-working team. Run the bases great. They play very fast. They play hard,” Naylor said. “I just want to be able to fit in and do everything right here. And I’m never really satisfied with the things I do. I always want to just keep improving, keep having fun, playing the game and continue to be the best teammate I can, best leader I can and just grow as a person every day.”

Although he leaves behind a Guardians team that just reached the ALCS and made history as the most Canuck-heavy roster in MLB post-season history — featuring Naylor, his brother Bo, Cade Smith and Erik Sabrowski — like most baseball fans, the promise of a new season has Naylor raring to go in Arizona.

“There’s a level of excitement every year. Obviously, I’m here now, but it’s really regardless of where you are, as long as you’re playing the game,” he said. “You have a jersey on your back, yet another opportunity. It’s always exciting.

“I’m extremely grateful to be here. I’m excited to meet the new guys here and get comfortable. And then just win.”

More from Sportsnet

Diamondbacks acquire Canadian 1B Josh Naylor from Guardians

What’s at play for Blue Jays as Guerrero deadline looms?