(Photo by Justin Edmonds/Getty Images)
The New York Yankees and the Cleveland Guardians are both top American League contenders.

We saw that this past season, as both teams reached the AL Championship Series.

The Yankees came out on top, but the Guards showed the world what they are made of.

They showcased their bright future and staying power.

Even with two potential powerhouses possibly facing off again at some point in 2025, there is a chance they actually match up in trade talks.

The Yankees have things that the Guardians need, and Cleveland has pieces that will certainly interest New York.

As the Yanks negotiate with the Chicago Cubs for Cody Bellinger, they are also keeping an eye on the rest of the position player market.

This means they are, according to MLB insider Jon Heyman, considering Josh Naylor as a potential option to play first base in 2025.

“Still a $ gap in Bellinger trade talk with Yankees and Cubs as of this minute. It’s a matter of “who blinks first,” if ever. Still could happen but Yanks also considering Alonso, Walker, C. Santana, J. Naylor, N. Lowe, probably others,” Heyman said.

 

The Yankees are looking for a first baseman after letting Anthony Rizzo go via free agency.

The Guardians have reportedly made Naylor, who hit 31 homers and drove in 108 runs in 2024, expandable because he will be a free agent after 2025.

Cleveland needs starting pitching and an outfielder.

The Yanks traded away some of their depth (Nestor Cortes) in the Devin Williams deal, but have some interesting players in the high minors and majors that could interest the Guardians.

Can these two contenders strike a deal involving Naylor?

We shall see in the upcoming weeks.