UPDATE: First baseman Josh Naylor has officially signed a five-year contract with the Seattle Mariners, marking a significant move in MLB’s offseason. The deal, which is pending a physical, reunites Naylor with the team that prioritized re-signing him after his impressive performance following his trade to Seattle.
Naylor, who is just 28 years old, quickly made a name for himself during his short stint with the Mariners, hitting .299 with nine home runs and 33 RBIs in just 54 games. His ability to contribute both offensively and defensively has solidified a position that had previously posed challenges for the franchise. This signing is the first major transaction of the offseason, highlighting Seattle’s ambitions as they aim for their first World Series title.
The Mariners reached the Game 7 of the American League Championship Series last season, bolstered by a strong lineup that includes AL MVP runner-up Cal Raleigh and star center fielder Julio Rodriguez. Naylor’s addition reinforces a potent core as the team prepares for another competitive season.
In his time with Seattle, Naylor showcased his remarkable skills on the basepaths, becoming a surprising threat despite being one of the slowest runners in the league. He achieved a perfect record of 19 stolen bases in 19 attempts, demonstrating his agility and awareness on the field. Over the entire 2024 season, combining his time with the Mariners and the Arizona Diamondbacks, Naylor posted a .295 batting average, 20 home runs, and 92 RBIs, along with a career-high 3.1 WAR.
Naylor’s journey began when he was drafted 12th overall by the Miami Marlins in the 2015 MLB Draft. His family is deeply rooted in baseball; his brothers Bo Naylor and Myles Naylor are also professional players, with Bo currently with the Cleveland Guardians and Myles in the Oakland Athletics’ system.
As the Mariners look to build on their recent success, Naylor’s blend of offensive power and defensive reliability makes him a critical piece of the puzzle. Fans are eager to see how this contract impacts Seattle’s strategy moving forward, especially as they aim for a championship run in the upcoming season.
Stay tuned for more updates on this developing story and the Mariners’ offseason moves.