A former top prospect for Cleveland, Naylor was sent to Triple A in May. David Richard-Imagn ImagesAug. 1, 2026 Updated 10:14 am EDTIt appears that acquiring former top prospects as catching depth is the hot new trend for 2026. The Milwaukee Brewers have made their first move of trade deadline weekend, acquiring Bo Naylor and reliever Codi Heuer from the Cleveland Guardians on Saturday in exchange for reliever Craig Yoho and outfielder Blake Perkins.Much like the Logan O’Hoppe trade from the Los Angeles Angels to the Rangers earlier this week, Naylor, a former Top 100 prospect, has yet to live up to those expectations. A first-round draft pick in 2018, the 26-year-old has hit just .199 in 1,100+ plate appearances in parts of five seasons in the big leagues, and was sent to Triple A in May. But with All-Star William Contreras and backup Gary Sánchez already in the fold on the big-league roster, Naylor gives the Brewers another depth option behind the plate.
Heuer has bounced around a bit since becoming the non-Nick-Madrigal half of the Craig Kimbrel deal between the Chicago Cubs and Chicago White Sox at the 2021 deadline, but missed the 2022-23 seasons after Tommy John surgery and a subsequent elbow fracture. He has pitched 14 1/3 big-league innings over the last two seasons with the Rangers, Tigers and Guardians.Both Naylor and Heuer have been added to Milwaukee’s 40-man roster and sent to Triple-A Nashville.The Guardians, expected to address their offense at the deadline, might still do so, but this isn’t that. Primarily a center fielder, Perkins was a Gold Glove finalist in 2024, and has been worth 21 Defensive Runs Saved in 297 games over four years, but has hit just .223 (.636 OPS). A switch-hitter, he does seem like a capable platoon option, as his career OPS vs. left-handed pitchers is nearly 100 points higher (.693) than vs. right-handers (.602).Yoho, 26, has the least experience of anyone in this trade. Since his big-league debut last April, he has thrown 28 2/3 innings for the Brewers, striking out 25 and walking 17.Aug 1, 2026Connections: Sports EditionSpot the pattern. Connect the termsFind the hidden link between sports terms
