MLB Rumors: Insider Names Diamondbacks' Top Trade Candidate

As the 2025 MLB trade deadline inches closer, Arizona’s Josh Naylor is becoming one of the most talked-about names on the market. 

According to MLB.com insider Mark Feinsand, Naylor has emerged as the Diamondbacks’ most likely trade candidate, edging out even slugger Eugenio Suárez, as Arizona weighs whether to retool for the future. Though still hovering around .500 and technically in the NL Wild Card chase, the D-backs are facing reality after losing Corbin Burnes and Justin Martinez for the season. 

With Naylor set to hit free agency this winter, his trade value is peaking.

rare sweet moment here: Josh Naylor comes out to check on Myles Straw after Straw crashed into the wall trying to catch a ball Naylor lined to deep center pic.twitter.com/2gWE9uygsu

— Jesse (@d0wnsideofme) June 18, 2025

Josh Naylor walked all the way out to center field to check on his former teammate Myles Straw. Tremendous sportsmanship. I've never seen anything like that

— Branden Marotta (@brmarotta_) June 18, 2025

Naylor Drawing Strong Interest from AL Contenders

Naylor’s power bat, positional versatility, and clubhouse presence have drawn serious interest across the league. The Seattle Mariners are considered frontrunners, with former exec Jim Bowden calling for a one-for-one swap sending top catching prospect Harry Ford to Arizona. 

The Boston Red Sox, Texas Rangers, and San Francisco Giants have also been linked, with San Francisco reportedly willing to offer elite prospect Bryce Eldridge. Naylor’s .300 average, nine home runs, and team-leading 81 hits have made him an appealing midseason rental for teams seeking an impact left-handed bat at first base or DH.

This meme of former Guardian Josh Naylor is so hilariously accurate 😂😂😂 pic.twitter.com/lvSdwCz2EM

— Cleveland Sports Talk (@CLEsportsTalk) June 10, 2025

D-backs Could Cash In While Staying Competitive

While Arizona insists it's not entering sell mode just yet, Naylor’s contract status and high demand make a deal increasingly likely, especially if losses mount in the coming weeks. Trading him wouldn’t signal a full rebuild but could allow the D-backs to retool with long-term pieces like Ford or Eldridge while continuing to develop a young core. 

Naylor, bringing leadership and emotional on-field presence, would be a tough piece to move, but for a team on the playoff bubble, it might be the smartest play for both present flexibility and future growth.

Photo Credit: Allan Henry-Imagn Images