Missing out on Juan Soto, the Yankees now have their eyes on other possible backup players. There was chatter about a possible Cody Bellinger trade, and some reports also confirmed that the talks are in progress. However, the issue that seems to be arising is the money gap—the 2019 NL MVP is owed approximately $52.5 million over the next two seasons, with an estimated salary of $14.2 million in 2025.

But if the Yankees cannot agree on a price that will suit both teams and the player, the pinstripes will direct their energy to another player. Pete Alonso, Walker Buehler, C. Santana, N. Lowe, and Josh Naylor are among the names they can consider, with Naylor seeming to be the one the crew will most probably go for. So, it’s not like Cody Bellinger is their only option.

What if the Cody Bellinger deal doesn’t work?

The Yankees are signing new players and trading players simultaneously; they signed Max Fried and gave him an eight-year deal. The team also traded for Devin Williams from the Brewers. Now, Jon Heyman of the New York Post recently posted that a Josh Naylor trade may be possible for the New York Yankees if the Bellinger trade fails. Speaking of the financial gap in Cody’s deal, Heyman noted “it’s a matter of ‘who blinks first’, if ever” about the talks between the Yankees and the Cubs while claiming, “Still could happen, but Yanks also considering Alonso, Walker, C. Santana, J. Naylor, N. Lowe, probably others.” 

“MLB Trade Rumors projects Naylor to earn $12 million in arbitration,” Heyman had reported on Thursday. So, is it time for a trade between the Yankees and the Guardians? Well, throughout the offseason, Naylor has been the subject of trade speculations, given the Guardians would consider selling him for the right price. The 27-year-old just finished a great season, driving in 108 RBIs and hitting 31 home runs. Now that Josh is in the last year of his deal, whichever team acquires him next must pay a salary of $14,200,000 in arbitration.

But did you know the first baseman has some history with a Yankee player? During the 2022 playoffs, the Guardians first baseman memorably ‘rocked the baby’, which was directed to one Yankees player. And now, some New York fans seem to have a dislike for Naylor—the next time the 2019 MLB debutant returned to their stadium, fans were spotted mocking him.

Josh Naylor’s “Rock the Baby” celebration 

It was a sad day for Cleveland as they lost the 2022 ALDS to the Yankees, but the Josh Naylor moment was far from a melancholic one—his ‘Rock the Baby’ celebration is still remembered by fans of both sides; but do you recall what led to this scenario? Naylor, with a confident swing, sent a ball soaring deep into right-center field—the kind of shot that seemed destined to clear the wall before it even left his bat. And when the ball disappeared over the fence, there was no hesitation from the first baseman.

With the swagger of someone who’d just pulled off a grand gesture, Naylor dropped into his celebration. He cradled his arms, rocking them back and forth like a proud parent of a newborn. And guess who the pitcher was? None other than Gerrit Cole, the Yankees‘ ace and the starter for Game 2 of the 2024 ALCS. While Josh Naylor owned the moment, sending a clear message to Cole and the entire Yankee dugout—in his mind, the pitcher who had dominated so many games was suddenly the one being humbled.

This realization triggered an instant celebration; however, Naylor’s gestures weren’t appreciated by many Yankees fans. What’s your take on Josh Naylor’s impromptu celebration from years ago; can this memory affect his chances of a deal with the team? Share in the comments below.