THESE IS THE BEST NEWS WE COULD HOPE FOR: Arizona Diamondback Major baseball League MLB are overjoyed as head coach Torey Lovullo makes Announcements of making First baseman Josh Naylor the new….see more

In a move that signals a bold step forward for the Arizona Diamondbacks, manager Torey Lovullo has officially named Josh Naylor as the team’s new everyday first baseman. The announcement, made during a media availability at Chase Field, has sent waves of excitement across the Diamondbacks’ clubhouse and among fans eagerly watching their team emerge as a serious postseason contender.

“This is the best news we could hope for,” declared one fan on X (formerly Twitter), capturing the mood throughout the Valley. After months of speculation and mixed lineups at first base, Lovullo’s commitment to Naylor is being seen not just as a tactical shift — but as a sign of confidence in the team’s evolving identity.

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## **A Perfect Fit for Arizona’s Roster Puzzle**

Josh Naylor, the hard-hitting, high-energy Canadian slugger formerly of the Cleveland Guardians, joined the Diamondbacks in a high-profile offseason trade that raised eyebrows across the MLB landscape. While many were focused on Arizona’s pursuit of pitching depth, few expected them to make such a bold move for a position player.

Now, just months later, the move looks like a masterstroke.

Naylor brings with him a unique combination of power, plate discipline, and emotional fire that has already made him a clubhouse favorite. With **Christian Walker’s departure via free agency** during the offseason, the first base role became a revolving door early in the 2025 season. But Naylor’s consistent performance at the plate and defensive improvement have made it clear he’s not just a stopgap — he’s the long-term answer.

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## **Lovullo Makes It Official**

At a press conference earlier this week, Torey Lovullo didn’t mince words:

> “Josh has earned this. He’s been everything we hoped for when we brought him here — a leader, a competitor, and a guy who comes through in big moments. He’s our first baseman moving forward.”

The timing of the announcement is crucial. With the Diamondbacks in the thick of the National League playoff race, consistency in the lineup is essential. Lovullo has long valued platoon flexibility, but his commitment to Naylor indicates a new phase of the season: one where roles are defined and expectations are clear.

> “We’re past the point of trying to figure out matchups every day,” Lovullo added. “We’re trying to win a division. And Josh gives us the best chance to do that.”

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## **Naylor’s Impact: Numbers and Intangibles**

Statistically, Naylor has been one of the D-backs’ most reliable bats this season. Through mid-July, he’s slashing **.281/.348/.509** with **18 home runs**, **62 RBIs**, and a **.857 OPS**. More importantly, he’s delivered in high-leverage situations, leading the team in clutch hitting categories and often sparking late-inning rallies.

But Naylor’s value goes far beyond the numbers.

He’s a tone-setter — the kind of player who wears his heart on his sleeve, celebrates big hits with emotion, and charges the field like every game is Game 7 of the World Series. His energy is infectious, and it’s something the young Diamondbacks roster — already known for its hustle and grit — has fully embraced.

> “Josh brings juice,” said star outfielder Corbin Carroll. “He gets everyone fired up. He’s the kind of guy you want in the foxhole with you.”

Naylor’s defensive play, once a weak spot in his game, has also taken a leap forward. Working closely with Arizona’s coaching staff and infield coordinator Tony Perezchica, Naylor has sharpened his footwork, improved his glove mechanics, and shown greater range and consistency.

“He’s worked his tail off,” said Lovullo. “He’s not just out there to hit. He wants to be great in all phases.”

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## **Filling Christian Walker’s Shoes — And Then Some**

The departure of Christian Walker, a Gold Glove first baseman and key piece of Arizona’s 2023 World Series run, left big shoes to fill. Walker was not only one of the league’s top defensive first basemen but also a reliable source of middle-order power.

Rather than try to clone Walker’s style, Naylor has brought his own brand of intensity and offensive punch. And rather than being intimidated by the expectations, he’s embraced the challenge.

> “I knew what this role meant when I got here,” Naylor told reporters. “Christian is a hell of a player. But I’m here to write my own chapter — and I’m grateful Torey and this organization believe in me to do that.”

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## **Diamondbacks’ Playoff Push Gets a Boost**

With the announcement coming just before a critical homestand and the trade deadline looming, Naylor’s elevation to full-time first baseman brings clarity to the Diamondbacks’ infield and lineup structure. It also allows the front office to focus its deadline strategy on pitching, knowing the offense is anchored by a core that includes Carroll, Naylor, Ketel Marte, and Gabriel Moreno.

Arizona, currently sitting in second place in the NL West behind the Dodgers but ahead in the Wild Card standings, has momentum — and belief. The franchise that stunned the league with its 2023 postseason run now feels like it’s building something more sustainable.

“We’re not sneaking up on anyone anymore,” said GM Mike Hazen. “We’re trying to win now, and Josh is a big part of that equation.”

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## **A Long-Term Vision?**

Though Lovullo emphasized the decision was about “right now,” there’s growing speculation that Naylor could be in Arizona for the long haul. He’s under team control through 2026 and has publicly stated his love for the city and clubhouse.

A contract extension, sources say, could be discussed this offseason.

> “I’d love to be here long-term,” Naylor said. “I’ve felt at home since day one. These fans, this team — it’s special.”

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## **Fan Reaction: “He’s Our Guy”**

Within hours of the announcement, fans took to social media to express their support.

* *“Naylor is a dawg. Love this move by Lovullo.”*
* *“Needed to happen weeks ago. Let him eat!”*
* *“First base is in good hands. Let’s ride.”*

And perhaps the most common theme? Relief and excitement that the Diamondbacks are doubling down on a player who represents the future as much as the present.

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## **Final Thoughts: The Heartbeat of a Contender**

Every contending team needs a soul — a sparkplug who keeps the engine running even in the dog days of summer. For the 2025 Arizona Diamondbacks, that heartbeat might just be Josh Naylor.

By naming him the full-time first baseman, Torey Lovullo didn’t just make a depth chart adjustment. He sent a message: this team believes in its core, believes in its fight, and believes in the player who, more than most, represents everything the Diamondbacks want to be — fierce, focused, and fearless.