Naylor delivered the big hit in the ninth, placing a changeup from Urquidy into right for an RBI that capped Cleveland’s scoring. His timely swing highlights his growing clutch potential and elevated role in a tight late-season lineup.

Naylor’s seventh-inning solo homer supplied the deciding run, showcasing occasional pop that broadens Cleveland’s lineup flexibility.

Naylor sparked the eighth-inning rally from the eight-spot, setting the stage for Kayfus’s go-ahead blast as Cleveland leaned on the bottom of the order to flip a tight game against Kansas City.

Naylor shows a cautionary tale: improved in O-Swing%, Contact% and Pulled Air% since July 1, yet the season’s results sit at a 74 wRC+. The data hints at better swing decisions even as performance lags; the underlying process could portend a rebound if the power and contact translate in the coming months.

Naylor contributed with two doubles, underscoring the Guardians’ rookie depth and potential power upside from the catching position as the season progresses.