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By Drew VonScio
Contributing Sports Writer
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Adding a first baseman at the trade deadline is a big priority for the Boston Red Sox in addition to bolstering the pitching staff.
Boston will certainly have a lot of options for pitching and while the first base market isn't dry, it certainly isn't abundant. That's why MLB insider Jeff Passan thinks the Red Sox would be a fit for Arizona Diamondbacks first baseman Josh Naylor.
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"Naylor is batting around .300 this season as a lefty-hitting first baseman in a contract year on pace for about 20 homers," wrote Passan. "Naylor faces left-handed pitchers more often than the next player on the list (Ryan O'Hearn) but hasn't been particularly good at it either. His on-base skills and lack of strikeouts make him an especially attractive acquisition candidate for postseason contenders."
Even though the Red Sox would probably prefer to add a right-handed bat, they certainly wouldn't turn down a chance to grab Naylor. At just 28 years old, he is producing at a high level heading into free agency where he may be getting his first (and possibly only) big contract.
While he does hit right-handed pitching much better, Naylor isn't exactly bad at hitting lefties as Passan mentioned. As of Monday, he was slashing .252./.296/.364 against southpaws this year.
"Best fits: Seattle, Boston, San Francisco, Texas," wrote Passan.
The Red Sox have a strong farm system that would certainly help the Diamondbacks retool their roster quickly for next season. Even as a rental, Naylor would draw a decent return with being one of the only first baseman on the market.
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