Behind The Cleveland Guardians' Decision To Option Bo Naylor To Triple-A
Fans who are eagerly awaiting to see the Bo Naylor era officially get underway for the Cleveland Guardians will have to wait a little bit longer. The organization informed Naylor that he had been optioned Triple-A Columbus for the start of the season.
This wasn't necessarily a shocking decision based on how Terry Francona talked about the situation, but there was a lot to consider when making it.
Mike Zunino Looking Sharp At Catcher
One of the biggest factors in coming to the decision to start Naylor with Columbus this season had nothing to do with him at all. It has everything to do with how Mike Zunino looked at a catcher.
The Guardians signed Zunino to a one-year contract in December but there was still a few question marks around him. How would he look after missing the majority of the 2022 season with injury? Will he be able to handle the Cleveland pitching rotation alright?
The answer to both of those questions is, good. Zunino has looked sharp behind the plate defensively, but his offense is still looking to find some rhythm.
Naylor's Lack Of Experience
It feels like the hype around Naylor has been building for years now. But, the 23-year-old hasn't gotten a ton of experience.
Naylor started off the 2022 season with the Akron Rubber Ducks (Double-A) and was promoted after 52 games. He then went on to play 62 games with the Clippers (Triple-A) before being called up to make his MLB debut as a part of September call-ups.
That's still just 62 games at Triple-A which isn't a lot. Naylor did slash .257/.366/.514 with 15 home runs in that time period, but that's still only about two months of experience.
It's not that we'll never get to see Naylor catch for the Guardians. But it does make sense to let him start the year in the minors, start every day while Zunino holds down the fort in Cleveland, and then call him up when the weather gets a little nicer and he has more innings behind the plate.
-----
Read More:
Cleveland Guardians Injury Update: Sam Hentges And George Valera
Zach Plesac Showing He Could Have A Bounce Back Season For The Guardians
Guardians Hit A Pair Of Home Runs In Win Over Team Mexico
Guardians 2023 Top 50 Prospects, No. 44 LHP Will Dion
Josh Bell Reveals Why He Chose To Join The Guardians
Be sure to stay locked into Cleveland Baseball Insider all the time!
SUBSCRIBE to the CBI YouTube channel
Follow Cleveland Baseball Insider on Twitter: @CBI_FanNation
Cover Photo Credit: © David Richard-USA TODAY Sports
