Five bold predictions for the Cleveland Guardians 2024 season

Guardians Bold Prediction Number Five: Josh Naylor signs a contract extension to keep him in Cleveland for the long haul

If there is one thing that would calm the collective mind of Cleveland Guardians fans everywhere, it would be coming to terms on a contract extension with first baseman/designated hitter Josh Naylor.

Naylor took a massive step forward as a hitter last season, slashing .308/.354/.489 with 31 doubles and 17 home runs in 121 games. The 26-year-old Ontario native was finally able to put together an impressive season and reach the offensive output levels that many knew he was capable of. Rewarding Naylor's 2023 season with a new deal that keeps him in Cleveland for the foreseeable future would be a wise decision for the Guardians.

Keeping Naylor in a Guardians' uniform long-term goes beyond his offensive production. It is about having someone who is clearly a fireball full of energy be on this team for years to come. Jose Ramirez may be the heart and soul of the Guardians at the present moment in time, but there is going to come a time when that no longer applies. Naylor is a logical heir to Ramirez in that department, and it would only make sense to ensure that title transfer happens down the line.