Could the Guardians resist the temptation to trade Josh Naylor?

The possibility of the Cleveland Guardians trading first baseman Josh Naylor has been floated out several times this winter, much to the dismay of the fanbase. But would the Guardians actually do it? Well, not everyone is buying this rumor. Bleacher Report's Tim Kelly put together a buy or sell list of MLB rumors following the Winter Meetings, with a potential trade of Naylor falling into the sell category.

Kelly notes that while there was a scenario in which it would have made sense for the Guardians to trade Naylor, it is no longer necessary following the trade of Andres Gimenez to Toronto. "If there was ever a case for Cleveland trading Naylor—who is projected to make $12 million in his final year of arbitration eligibility—it's much harder to make it now, " Kelly writes for Naylor's entry in this list.

The logic being used by Kelly here is sound, and it would make sense that with Gimenez's salary off the books, they can afford to pay Naylor for the upcoming season. However, The Athletic's Ken Rosenthal (subscription required) recently reported that the Guardians are indeed still listening to trade offers for Naylor and Lane Thomas.

Kelly would admit that this is mostly wishful thinking on his part, "Perhaps this is one we're trying to speak into existence because the Guardians shouldn't tear down their team after they were one of the final four teams this past season.". Again, more sound logic from Kelly. Cleveland is fresh off an American League Central Division winning season and an appearance in the ALCS against the New York Yankees. The Guardians should be adding talent to their roster instead of trading away some of their best and most productive players.

If the Guardians do receive a good enough offer for Naylor, they will consider it, and if they do trade him, it will make it difficult to envision them building upon last season's success. The elder Naylor is an essential part of the Guardians, and replacing his production would be incredibly hard, if not completely impossible. But everyone knows that with Naylor being an impending free agent, a trade is always on the table, and should not be surprising if he is inevitably dealt before the start of next season.