Bo Naylor Likely To Start Season At Triple-A
Just like the rest of the fans, I can't wait to see what Bo Naylor is able to do as the Cleveland Guardians everyday catcher. Or at least in a true backup role. However, it seems like we'll all have to wait a few months into the season to see him up with the Big League club.
This is what Manager Terry Francona had to say when talking about catching the situation:
“(Naylor is) 22 years old, we make a promise to our guys that we’ll be honest and we’ll be conscientious in where we feel they are and what the plan is for him, but don’t waste being young worrying about where you’re going to be. Just enjoy seeing how good you can get.
“We told him it’s not always on your timetable. We own up to that. But if you knock the door down, that sort of makes the timetable. But I think he’s got a really good head situated really well. He’s got a pretty good outlook.”
Tito gives a lot of praise to Naylor but doesn't promise him a spot on the Big League roster right away. All Francona wants to do is see Naylor get better.
As much as I'd love to see Naylor on the Opening Day roster, having him start in the Minors does make the most sense, especially if Mike Zunino is fully healthy. Naylor can get some more reps being the full-time catcher during the beginning of the season and then come May he can be brought up with the club ready to go.
Oct 3, 2022; Cleveland, Ohio, USA; Cleveland Guardians catcher Bo Naylor (44) throws to second base between innings of a game against the Kansas City Royals at Progressive Field. Mandatory Credit: David Richard-USA TODAY Sports
It's also important to remember that Bo split his time last season at the Doulbe-A and Triple-A levels. He played in 52 games for the Rubber Ducks and 66 for the Columbus Clippers. This is another reason why having him start the season in a low-stakes environment is a good idea.
However, if Naylor starts off the first few weeks of the season in the Minors as how as he finished last season it'll be difficult to keep him down.
Tito has admitted to this too.
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