Brewers Shake Up Roster: Bo Naylor and Codi Heuer Join the Organization
In a strategic move aimed at strengthening their organizational depth, the Milwaukee Brewers have completed a trade with the Cleveland Guardians. This shake-up comes as the Brewers continue to evaluate their roster and seek difference-makers ahead of the critical stretch of the season.
The deal sees the Brewers acquiring catcher Bo Naylor and right-handed reliever Codi Heuer. In exchange, Cleveland receives outfielder Blake Perkins and reliever Craig Yoho. Both Naylor and Heuer have been assigned to Triple-A Nashville to refine their form before potentially joining the Major League squad.
Who is Bo Naylor? The Potential and the Challenge
Bo Naylor enters the Brewers organization with a pedigree of high expectations. A former first-round draft pick in 2018, Naylor has spent the last five seasons navigating the challenges of the Major Leagues. While he has proven his durability—starting over 100 games behind the plate in both 2024 and 2025—his offensive production has been a point of contention.
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- Career Batting Average: .199 / .279 / .372
- Recent Status: Demoted to the Minors in May after Cleveland acquired Patrick Bailey.
- The Opportunity: For the Brewers, Naylor represents a project with high upside who can provide stability and power if he finds his rhythm in a new environment.
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Adding Arm Strength: The Arrival of Codi Heuer
Alongside Naylor, the Brewers bring in Codi Heuer, a versatile right-handed reliever. Heuer is no stranger to the big leagues, having pitched for five different MLB teams since 2020. Most recently, he showcased strong form at Triple-A Columbus, posting a 3.46 ERA and securing six saves across 26 appearances. His experience provides the Brewers with a reliable option for their bullpen depth.
The Strategy Behind the Trade
Why move Blake Perkins and Craig Yoho? The decision was largely driven by the returning health of other key players. Outfielder Brandon Lockridge is nearing a return from the 60-day injured list, making Perkins—who struggled offensively in a limited role—expendable.
Similarly, Craig Yoho did not meet the expectations set during his rise as one of MLB Pipeline’s Top 30 Milwaukee prospects, particularly regarding his ability to miss bats with his signature changeup.
What’s Next for the Brewers?
By prioritizing organizational depth, the Brewers are positioning themselves for flexibility. While Naylor and Heuer start their journey in Nashville, the front office is keeping a close eye on the market for further high-impact acquisitions before the trade deadline. For fans, this move signals that Milwaukee is not resting on its laurels but is actively sculpting a more resilient roster for the long haul.
