Cleveland Indians: Position Preview for 2021, Outfield

Josh Naylor

Coming to Cleveland in the Mike Clevinger trade this past season, the Indians were given a little of taste of what could come from Josh Naylor in the future. He had a slow start, but caught on as the season progressed and could be a steady start in either corner outfield spot.

During the postseason last year, Naylor was 5-for-7 at the plate over two games, knocking a home run, three doubles and logging three RBI. Those numbers served as a much needed show of improvement after he hit just .230/.277/.279 after joining the Tribe after the trade.

In the field, Naylor played in 19 games in left field and was at first twice. In left, he was a perfect 23-for-23 on chances in the field and that seems to be consistent throughout his career. In left, Naylor has just three errors in more than 380 innings played.

Currently just 23-years old, Naylor has a bright future ahead of him in Cleveland and the 2021 season will be a big part of his progression. He has yet to play a full major league season with one team, being called up in 2019 and traded in 2020. The 2021 season will be very telling as to how he can perform over a full season and what the Indians should expect moving forward from their young left fielder.