Mariners Secure Naylor with Five-Year Deal in Offseason Kickoff

UPDATE: The Seattle Mariners have just re-signed first baseman Naylor to a five-year contract, marking a significant move as the 2025-26 MLB offseason kicks off. This deal, pending a physical, is the first major signing of the winter and demonstrates the Mariners’ commitment to building a competitive roster.

Naylor’s return is crucial for the Mariners, who are eager to rebound after a heartbreaking Game 7 loss in the ALCS. The front office made it clear that re-signing Naylor was their top priority, and they have backed their words with action. This signing is expected to have a profound impact as the team eyes a World Series run in 2026.

Last season, Naylor joined the Mariners from Arizona at the trade deadline and proved instrumental, batting .299 with nine home runs and 33 RBIs in just 54 games. His overall numbers for 2025 showed a solid .295 batting average along with 20 home runs. Notably, Naylor has excelled at T-Mobile Park, boasting a .304 average and a .534 slugging percentage in 43 career games there, making him an attractive asset for the team.

The Mariners have struggled to find a reliable first baseman for nearly two decades, a search that dates back to the trade of John Olerud in 2004. Naylor offers a solution, bringing a high-contact approach to a lineup that has struggled with strikeouts. He finished 2025 with the 17th-best strikeout rate among qualified hitters, further solidifying his role in the batting order.

Despite some concerns about the longevity of the contract—Naylor will be 33 years old at its conclusion—the deal is a calculated risk for a team with championship aspirations. His consistent performance and adaptability on the field make him a reliable choice as the Mariners aim to enhance their postseason prospects.

With the offseason officially underway, fans and analysts alike are eager to see how this signing will shape the Mariners’ strategy moving forward. Stay tuned for continuous updates and analysis as more transactions unfold in the coming weeks.

This signing is just the beginning of what promises to be an exciting offseason in Major League Baseball.