Do you still believe Bo Naylor can be the Cleveland Guardians’ long-term answer at catcher?

Do you still believe Bo Naylor can be the Cleveland Guardians’ long-term answer at catcher?

Well, we gotta talk a little more guardians before we get to those ant specialties, and we’re gonna do that thanks to FanDu. It is America’s number one sports book and with the Fan Duel partnership here at the Ultimate Cleveland Sports Show, we want to feature your winning tickets on the show if you win a fanuel bet this summer, whether it’s on baseball, soccer, basketball, boxing, you name it. We don’t care if it’s a winning ticket, send it in so we can feature it here and give you some love on the Ultimate Cleveland Sports Show if you haven’t downloaded FanDuel yet. Well, we have an offer just for you right now. New customers can bet $5 and get $150 in bonus bets if their 1st $5 bet wins. Open the FanDuel app today or visit FanDuel.com/UCSS to get started. Mike, I missed your text. It’s OK. Don’t worry about it. It’s not that important. We’re gonna talk a little more guardians before we get into some ant specialty topics, but this is something we’ve tried to ask in the past and for whatever reason we just haven’t had time on the show. And he did not hit a home run yesterday, Bull. He did have two hits but did not hit a home run. The question I wanted to ask, and I’ll start with you, Ant. Are you over the Bo Naylor experiment at catcher, or do you still believe Bo Naylor could be the Guardian’s long-term answer behind the plate? No, I don’t think he’s a long term answer unfortunately, and this is not my Austin Hedges bias coming out. He’s still a better hitter than Hedges will ever probably be better. Yeah, I was gonna say he’s got 9 home runs this season, which makes him 4th on the team, so offensively he’s not the worst that we have. I just playing catcher, he, he makes too many mental errors. Uh, that passed ball on Sunday I didn’t get a chance to see it. I was driving home from Columbus, but it, it’s little things like that that he has done consistently this entire season, uh, especially this season that it’s, I don’t know how you keep him as your long term answer for this team when you’re looking at Hedges as your backup and him as your starter. I would start looking for a new catcher and maybe make Bo the backup because if you play Bo not every day, he probably wouldn’t look as bad as I think he looks, but I’m very out on Bo right now unfortunately, and I don’t. I don’t think it has anything to do with his brother being gone. I just think he’s in a bad year and he’s not, he doesn’t have what it takes to be the long term catcher. You know, it’s, it’s crazy you say that because I was sitting there thinking this is his 3rd year up in the major, right? Yeah, so this is 2 years in a row where he’s not looked good offensively, but the first year when he came up, that’s what they said, right? He was a home run hitter, this guy’s gonna lengthen the lineup and all those things. And then last year we said, well, maybe he’s working more on defense, so you know, it lacked a little bit offensively. And then this year, It’s still the same thing and I think that I gotta go with the two years that I’ve seen over just the one, you know, it’s kinda, it’s kinda like Jimenez, you know, Jimenez, when we thought his first year when he was with the Guardians, he was this great hitter and all these things, and then the next couple of years he could never duplicate those numbers. I think when you look at Bo offensively, he might be able every now and again to get you a nice home run, but when you talk about a guy that’s in your lineup every single day. No, he’s not gonna get it done. Um, I definitely agree with and I’ll probably make him my backup catcher. I definitely look for another one, and that’s kind of how I would roll with him as well. I was gonna try to come save him, but how can you? I don’t know like I don’t know what you do with him. I’m not the, it’s not a baseball. — It’s
— 2 years that you, uh, this is my mom’s favorite player, like, or one of, and I don’t know why. I’m like, I’m like, you get no return on investor here, mom. You cheered so hard at the house for this guy. I man, look. I think he’s just a, he’s a guy that should be a backup catcher, um. I don’t think he, this is crazy. I think his, his stick was supposed to be his strong suit, and when you can’t cover up for the fact that you’re not the greatest of defensive catchers, then you become, you become a liability because at that point, like you, you need to be at least be good at one of them and uh. He’s not, he’s not, he’s neither. Um, so I, I look at him. And the problem is, if he could just give me power numbers, like say for instance if he was like at 16 home runs, oh yeah it’d be a different story if he was 16 home runs and batting like 202. Like, you know what I mean, if he could cover the bottom of the lineup. I would be like at least if you get some like sneaky power at the bottom of the lineup where it’s like if you make a mistake to Bo Naylor, he’s he’s gonna hit the ball out of the ballpark. he’s giving me 9 home runs. I need to see that more like 1516, and it may be stomachable, but I don’t know, boo. I don’t, I don’t, I don’t know if he’s ever going to get to that. Point where he’s gonna be able to deliver you power numbers at a level where you can overlook some of those other defenses. — I
— want Kyle Riley numbers. Yeah, now Cal Riley hadn’t put up these numbers till this year, — which is like his 5th year
— 36. Yeah, I mean, he’s been good, but not this good until this this is his first year playing at this supreme level. But most of the top hitting catchers. We’re good pretty close to right away. You guys take to develop, but you, you know, uh. I don’t think Boy, I thought he’s been the last 3 years. So I just have his numbers. Well, he’s at 30 home runs now in 3 straight season and his second season he had 27 homers. His first real season, right, but. If you look at his OPS, — like it’s a totally different story this year
— for the last, it skyrocketed this year. He was, he was, um, his rookie season, he had 27 homers in. Yeah, I mean the long term what I’m saying is he went from being a good player to being an elite player this year. I mean he did have 34 homers, 100 riy last year. I, I hear you. — What was OP
— 50, right, because I guess that’s fair, you know, he had he had, he had some big holes in his games out a ton, you know, again, I’m not saying he was like for a catcher that was already outstanding, but as an overall player I would have called him — a very good player
— finished 10th MVP last year. So I just wanted to say it wasn’t like that. No, no, no, I’m not saying he came out of nowhere. I’m saying he took it to another level. He’s taken it to another, I mean, when’s the most, what’s the most home runs he get? 30 before this year? Uh, 34. All right, — he’s got 36 with half the season
— 35 right now. Yeah, I’d say this is another level. No, no, — I’m just saying I
— didn’t say he wasn’t good before this year. — I’m saying he wasn’t
— anybody for the Guardian — we’re trading
— them immediately right the power numbers. He puts up a very rare amongst catchers. It doesn’t really happen. Bo Naylor, I, I’m not gonna say there’s no chance he becomes a legitimate starting catcher because the truth is half the teams in the big leagues have guys that are in the same vein as Bo Naylor, maybe a little better offensively, but not much. There’s not that many good offensive catchers, so he probably ends up being a starter, whether it’s for the Guardians or somebody else. But the odds of him becoming like a, like a catcher that you want to be your starter. I’d say are very slim. Isn’t David Fry also a catcher? Yeah, he was, but he hasn’t caught in a couple of years. He can’t catch right now. He can’t play the field at all till next year. Um, so does Bo look worse because he’s on in this lineup then? Is that like, — does he
— just I’m not giving him that excuse. He’s just not, he played great for the last two months of the 2023 season and as the thing before or after. There wasn’t much before, but the little before and after he’s been horrible. I, I, he’s gonna get another opportunity next year because there’s no, they’re not gonna spend big money on a catcher. Um, and there’s so many holes they got to fill anyway that I think he’ll give it another opportunity next year. Um, but I, I don’t ever think he’s gonna be. You know, one of these catchers like Cal Riley, like Wilson Contreras, William Contreras, you know, Will Smith of the Dodgers, he’s just, but you never know, like the, the Cubs catcher this year, their starting catcher is a guy named Carson Kelly. He’s a veteran. I don’t know how old he is. Mike, look at how old Carson Kelly is. Uh, he’s in his 30s. And he’s having a borderline All-Star season this year and he’s never been a good hitter. — He
— turns 31 next week. Yeah. What’s his, what’s his numbers right now? This season, Carson Kelly is hitting 268. — His OPS is 879 with 11 homers and 31
— ribbies. Yeah, for a catcher, that’s phenomenal. Has he, what’s the most home runs he ever hit before this year? 18. All right, he’s at 11 at the halfway point. What’s his best OPS he’s ever had in a season? 826, the same year he hit 18 home runs. I’m surprised. What year was that? 19 with the with the Diamondback. All right, — so
— he had one good year in 19. He’s been terrible for the not terrible, but he’s been just a guy for the last few years. And so there are some players that it happens every once in a while I catcher. — How is this
— it’s unlikely that Sean Murphy guy. He’s, he’s. Not playing full time anymore. I know you wanted to trade for him a couple years back. Yeah, I listen, he’s gonna be available this offseason. They’ve got a rookie catcher by the name of Drake Baldwin. We had the Braves, yeah, and uh he’s playing, they’re splitting time. Uh, but they’re gonna, they’re gonna want Drake Baldwin to play every day next year. So they’ll probably trade Sean Murphy, — and he’d be an upgrade over
— his OPS is 804 right now. Yeah, I mean, that’s good. He’s still good, but he’s not as good as he was. But what’s his contract? What’s he got left on this contract? You go to baseball reference, you can find that. But because depending on his contract, I mean, I, I would love to see, and how old is he? What is he? 32? Uh, his contract is for $15 million next year, 15 and 26. It’s 15 every year till 2029. So he’s got 4 years, — 60
— million dollars left. He’s too old. — How
— old is he? He turns 31 at the end of the season. — He’s
— a little younger than I thought, but they’re not gonna they’re not paying $15 million a year for 1 year. — The
— Guardian’s contracts be like 7 years for $13 million in a pack of quarters.

Bo Naylor is still the Cleveland Guardians’ catcher of the future—at least for now—but the clock is ticking louder than it was six months ago. The raw tools are undeniable: left-handed power, above-average athleticism for a catcher, and a solid throwing arm. But while the Guardians hoped 2024 would be his breakout year, Naylor has looked more like a project than a finished product. His bat has been inconsistent, his framing metrics have slipped, and he hasn’t quite developed that game-manager reputation you want in a long-term backstop. In a division that rewards good pitching and timely hitting, Cleveland can’t afford for catcher to remain a question mark.

There’s still plenty of upside with Naylor, and the Guardians aren’t known for giving up on young players too early. But this is a club with playoff aspirations and a deep farm system. If Naylor doesn’t stabilize over the next few months, names like Bryan Lavastida or even a trade-deadline acquisition could creep into the picture. The front office has shown patience—but that patience comes with expectations. He doesn’t need to be an All-Star, but he does need to become a guy pitchers trust and opponents respect at the plate.

So do I still believe in Bo Naylor? Yes—but cautiously. The traits are there, and the Guardians are giving him every chance to claim the job for years to come. But the margin for error is getting thinner. If he doesn’t turn that corner soon, the conversation could shift from “long-term answer” to “missed opportunity.” It’s time for Bo to show he belongs.

Support Us By Supporting Our Sponsors!

Epicor
From small businesses with big dreams to growing enterprises with global vision, we’ll equip you with the right tools to move forward, think ahead, and lead the way. Discover your success at www.easierwithepicor.com.
Living For We
New episodes drop every other Tuesday, starting February 11th. Listen to Living For We wherever you get your podcasts, or watch the video version on Ideastream’s YouTube channel. Learn more at ideastream.com/podcast/living-for-we.
Amazon Fire TV Stick 4k
Did you know your Fire TV is also an Xbox? Turn any TV into your gaming and entertainment hub with Fire TV Stick 4K devices — no console required. Head to Amazon.com/firetvlockedon to get started. Xbox Game Pass Ultimate subscription and compatible controller required.
Monarch Money
Take control of your finances with Monarch Money. Use code LOCKEDONNFL at monarchmoney.com for 50% off your first year.
Buckeye State Credit Union is a LOCAL brand that offers a wide range of products from checking accounts to home equity lines of credit & auto loans. Head to Buckeyecu.org for more information.
Menu RX: “Whether you’re chasing peak performance, building your dream body, or seeking optimal longevity, Menu-Rx will help you reach your goals. Go to Menu-RX dot com to get your consultation today.”
Buckeye State Credit Union
Experience the difference with Buckeye State Credit Union. We make banking effortless and convenient for you. Visit us online at buckeyecu.org and discover how Buckeye State Credit Union simplifies your financial journey. Buckeye State Credit Union – Your Money, Simplified.

Subscribe and ring the bell for the latest talk about the Cleveland Browns, Cleveland Guardians, Cleveland Cavaliers and Ohio State Buckeyes: https://bit.ly/ucss_subscribe

Follow on Twitter: https://twitter.com/ultclesports

Watch live on YouTube 11 a.m.-1 p.m. weekdays on YouTube and WKYC+ on your Roku and Fire TV apps!

The Ultimate Cleveland Sports Show is your daily source of the best conversation about the Cleveland Browns, Cleveland Guardians, Cleveland Cavaliers and Ohio State Buckeyes, as well as sports throughout Northeast Ohio. Produced by Mike Lucas, Anthony Antonelli, and Earl Mauldin. Hosted by Jay Crawford, Adam the Bull, G Bush, Jason Lloyd, and Tyvis Powell.