If you followed the Cleveland Guardians‘ 2022 season, you know that Josh Naylor is a clutch hitter.
When the game is on the line, he has a knack for appearing and playing hero.
That success has extended to the 2023 campaign and proven that the “clutch” label fits him to perfection.
Josh Naylor has been the definition of clutch. 💪
(MLB x @MattressFirm) pic.twitter.com/nrbNUOxlAb
— MLB (@MLB) May 15, 2023
Having go-ahead home runs in the last three games is already impressive, but all of them have come in the eighth inning or later, when games are about to be decided.
That’s some really impressive focus and execution right there.
Where most players flop, Naylor thrives.
He has, without a doubt, a flair for the dramatic.
Unfortunately, the start of his season was so bad that his numbers are still subpar as of Tuesday afternoon.
He is hitting .214/.271/.389 with six home runs and a 75 wRC+.
The league-average offensive player has a 100 wRC+, and Naylor was at 117 last year.
Naylor does appear to be on the right track if recent performance is any indication, and he does have 26 RBI.
The Guardians offense desperately needs him to fully get going at the plate because he is one of the few hitters in that lineup that can actually provide consistent power hitting.
There is still time for his play to speak loud and for his stats to stabilize.
Despite the Guardians’ 19-21 record, they are still second in the AL Central and they are just three games behind the division leaders, the Minnesota Twins.
Time usually puts everything in its right place.
Let’s see what it does with Naylor and Guardians.
They are too good not to fight for a postseason spot.
NEXT: The Guardians Have A New Ace Emerging
