Brewers add catcher Bo Naylor in 4-player trade with Guardians

Brewers add catcher Bo Naylor in 4-player trade with Guardians

The Milwaukee Brewers and Cleveland Guardians have completed a four-player exchange as the MLB trade deadline approaches. The Brewers acquired catcher Bo Naylor and right-handed pitcher Codi Heuer in exchange for right-handed pitcher Craig Yoho and outfielder Blake Perkins.

The Guardians confirmed the deal on Saturday, August 1, 2026, though the team has not yet specified where the involved players will report.

For Cleveland, the move signals a departure from Bo Naylor, a player the organization drafted eight years ago. Naylor’s tenure with the Guardians included a promising 2023 rookie campaign where he posted 11 homers and a 123 wRC+. However, his performance declined in subsequent years, culminating in a difficult 2026 season. At the time of his demotion to the minors in May, Naylor was hitting .143 with a .438 OPS and a 22 wRC+. He leaves Cleveland with a career slash line of .199/.279/.372 and an 82 wRC+ over five seasons since his 2022 debut.

The Guardians are moving Naylor as they lean into a defensive tandem behind the plate featuring Austin Hedges and Patrick Bailey, while prospects Kody Huff and Cooper Ingle progress through the high minors. Joining Naylor in the move to Milwaukee is Codi Heuer, who joined Cleveland this offseason and posted a 4.66 ERA across 9.2 innings for the Guardians. Heuer carries a 3.76 career ERA.

In return, Cleveland has added bullpen and outfield depth. The Guardians acquired Blake Perkins to serve as a bench piece for the outfield and Craig Yoho, a young reliever who posted a 3.15 ERA in 20 innings in the majors this season. Yoho holds a career 4.40 ERA.

The trade comes as the Guardians attempt to close a two-game gap for the American League Central lead, currently trailing the Chicago White Sox. As of July 31, Cleveland held a 56-54 record. Despite being in the playoff hunt, the team is struggling with a floundering offense. Entering their July 31 series against the Arizona Diamondbacks, the Guardians ranked 29th in the majors in runs scored (432) and 30th in slugging (.369). They also ranked 29th in xwOBA at .301.

Cleveland’s offensive struggles persist regardless of the pitcher's handedness. Their wRC+ ranks 22nd against right-handed pitchers and 27th against left-handed pitchers. The team has also been on pace to field one of the most left-handed lineups in recent history, increasing their vulnerability to opposing left-handed pitchers.

President of baseball operations Chris Antonetti indicated a desire to improve the roster, stating:

"We’ll be aggressive in trying to find ways to improve. Now, whether that means we’ll ultimately be able to get to the finish line on a deal or multiple deals, I have no idea. It’s impossible to predict. Could be left-handed, could be right-handed. In an ideal world, it’d probably be good to have more balance to the lineup, but there are al to of teams that are probably looking to try to accomplish the same thing."

Chris Antonetti, president of baseball operations, via USA Today

The Guardians may still seek a difference-maker in the lineup, specifically a right-handed bat, or reinforcements at first base due to the struggles of Kyle Manzardo. Potential outfield candidates on the market include Jo Adell of the Angels, Taylor Ward of the Orioles, and Mickey Moniak of the Rockies. Additionally, Garrett Mitchel of the Brewers could be available, though he would command a higher price.

While the Guardians have generally avoided players with massive contracts, rumors have circulated regarding Angels star Mike Trout. However, Trout earns more than $35 million per year through the 2030 season, a salary level Cleveland has never previously paid.

The Milwaukee Brewers enter this period as one of the top teams in baseball, sitting neck-and-neck with the Dodgers for the best record in the majors. This aggressive move for Naylor aligns with their status as a primary buyer in the current market.

The 2026 MLB trade deadline is set for 6 p.m. On Monday, August 3.