PHOENIX (AP) — The Arizona Diamondbacks acquired All-Star first baseman Josh Naylor on Saturday in a trade that sent right-handed pitcher Slade Cecconi to the Cleveland Guardians.
The Guardians also received a competitive Balance Round B draft pick in 2025.
The 27-year-old Naylor made his first All-Star team this season, hitting a career-high 31 home runs with 108 RBIs. He was Cleveland’s starting first baseman for the past three seasons and will become a free agent after the 2025 season.
The Diamondbacks were looking for a first baseman after Christian Walker signed with the Houston Astros on Friday.
The 25-year-old Cecconi spent part of the past two seasons in the major leagues. He had a 2-7 record with a 6.66 ERA last season and appeared in 20 games, including 13 starts.
The Guardians quickly filled the hole left by Naylor, agreeing to terms with veteran free agent Carlos Santana on a one-year deal.
Santana spent 10 seasons with Cleveland early in his career, spanning two stints from 2010-17 and 2019-20, where he started as a catcher before moving to the top spot. The switch-hitter’s deal is pending a physical examination, said a person familiar with the negotiations who spoke on condition of anonymity because the deal had not yet been finalized.
The 38-year-old played for the Minnesota Twins last season and hit .238 with 23 home runs and 71 RBIs.
The Naylor trade is the second major move this winter by the AL Central champions, who dealt the Gold Glove second baseman to Toronto in a three-team trade. The Guardians also acquired right-hander Luis Ortiz from the Pirates.
