Scouting grades: Hit: 55 | Power: 55 | Run: 40 | Arm: 50 | Field: 40 | Overall: 55
Naylor became the highest-drafted Canadian hitter when the Marlins picked him 12th overall in 2015. He impressed in his full-season debut the following year, but Miami suspended Naylor in June after he was the perpetrator of a knife "prank gone wrong" that resulted in teammate Stone Garrett needing thumb surgery. That July, the Marlins dealt Naylor to the Padres in a deal headlined by Andrew Cashner. After earning a second Futures Game selection in 2017, Naylor reached Double-A later that season. He returned in '18, and he thrived, showcasing some of the best on-base skills in the organization.
At the start, many believed Naylor would be able to ride his left-handed raw power, but he has stood out more for his savvy hitting ability early in his career. The Ontario native makes hard contact to all fields thanks to his plus bat speed and excellent hand-eye coordination. Both his strikeout and walk rates have been moving in positive directions, though he can become passive at the plate on occasion. Perhaps as a result, it took some time for Naylor to tap into his power. But he launched 17 homers in Double-A last season.
Naylor isn't tall, and he's stocky, though he shed about 20 pounds prior to the 2019 season. He's nonetheless a good athlete for his size. He'd made some strides at first base, when the Padres moved him to the left field -- where he's clearly a work in progress. Naylor's range and his instincts in the outfield look like those of someone who's only just learning the position. Defensive concerns aside, Padres officials are high on Naylor's potential at the plate. He'll need to continue to tap into his power to make his corner profile work at the highest level. Statcast - Batting Season Pitches Batted Balls Barrels Barrel % Exit Velocity Launch Angle XBA XSLG WOBA XWOBA XWOBACON Hard Hit % K % BB % 2019 1154 190 12 6.3 89.6 4.5 .241 .378 .306 .297 .348 36.3 22.9 9.0 ALL 1154 190 12 6.3 89.6 4.5 .241 .378 .306 .297 .348 36.3 22.9 9.0 MLB 40553 6.3 87.5 11.2 .251 .412 .317 .318 .371 34.5 21.7 8.3 Transactions Team Date Transaction 10/12/2019 OF Josh Naylor assigned to Leones del Escogido. 08/01/2019 San Diego Padres recalled RF Josh Naylor from El Paso Chihuahuas. 07/21/2019 San Diego Padres optioned RF Josh Naylor to El Paso Chihuahuas. 05/24/2019 San Diego Padres selected the contract of Josh Naylor from El Paso Chihuahuas. 04/01/2019 LF Josh Naylor assigned to El Paso Chihuahuas from Padres Extended Spring Training. 01/24/2019 San Diego Padres invited non-roster OF Josh Naylor to spring training. 01/18/2018 San Diego Padres invited non-roster 1B Josh Naylor to spring training. 07/11/2017 Josh Naylor assigned to San Antonio Missions from Lake Elsinore Storm. 05/12/2017 Lake Elsinore Storm activated 1B Josh Naylor from the 7-day disabled list. 04/30/2017 Lake Elsinore Storm placed 1B Josh Naylor on the 7-day disabled list. 03/31/2017 1B Josh Naylor assigned to Lake Elsinore Storm. 03/31/2017 1B Josh Naylor assigned to Lake Elsinore Storm. 03/01/2017 1B Josh Naylor assigned to San Diego Padres. 07/29/2016 San Diego Padres traded Andrew Cashner, Colin Rea, RHP Tayron Guerrero and cash to Miami Marlins for RHP Jarred Cosart, RHP Carter Capps, RHP Luis Castillo and 1B Josh Naylor. 07/29/2016 1B Josh Naylor assigned to Lake Elsinore Storm. 07/28/2016 1B Josh Naylor roster status changed by San Diego Padres. 07/12/2016 Greensboro Grasshoppers activated 1B Josh Naylor from the temporarily inactive list. 07/09/2016 Greensboro Grasshoppers placed 1B Josh Naylor on the temporarily inactive list. 06/14/2016 Greensboro Grasshoppers activated 1B Josh Naylor. 06/06/2016 1B Josh Naylor roster status changed by Greensboro Grasshoppers. 04/04/2016 1B Josh Naylor assigned to Greensboro Grasshoppers from GCL Marlins. 07/03/2015 1B Josh Naylor assigned to GCL Marlins. 07/02/2015 Miami Marlins signed Josh Naylor.
