Seattle Mariners Sign Josh Naylor to Urgent 5-Year Deal

UPDATE: The Seattle Mariners have officially signed first baseman Josh Naylor to a five-year contract, confirming a major move in baseball’s offseason that could reshape their path toward a championship. This agreement, reported by ESPN’s sources, marks the Mariners’ top priority achieved as they seek to build on last season’s success.

In just 54 games with the Mariners last year, Naylor made a significant impact, posting a batting average of .299 with 9 home runs and 33 RBIs. His agility on the bases was remarkable, as he successfully stole 19 bases in 19 attempts, showcasing skills that defy his slower sprint speed ranking in the third percentile among major leaguers.

Naylor’s re-signing is crucial as he joins a formidable lineup that includes Cal Raleigh, AL MVP runner-up, and star outfielder Julio Rodriguez. Together, they propelled the Mariners to the AL Championship Series for the first time since 2001. The Mariners aim to seize their first World Series title in franchise history, and Naylor’s high-energy playing style could be pivotal in achieving that goal.

During his stint with the Mariners, Naylor excelled both offensively and defensively, helping the team secure their first division title in over two decades. His postseason performance was equally impressive, hitting .340 with 3 home runs over 12 games. Overall, across 93 games played this season, including his time with the Arizona Diamondbacks, Naylor recorded a combined batting average of .295 and a career-high 3.1 WAR.

Naylor was initially drafted by the Miami Marlins in 2015 and has since made a name for himself in the league, accumulating 104 home runs and 435 RBIs throughout his seven-year career. He was previously acquired by the Diamondbacks from the Cleveland Guardians, where he hit 31 home runs in 2024 and earned an All-Star selection.

This signing not only strengthens the Mariners’ roster but also adds a personal touch, as Naylor is the eldest of three baseball-playing brothers, with siblings Bo and Myles also making waves in the sport. As the Mariners prepare for the upcoming season, all eyes will be on Naylor to see how he can further elevate the team’s performance.

The Mariners are expected to finalize the deal pending a physical, with fans eagerly anticipating what this means for their championship aspirations. As developments unfold, the baseball world will be watching closely.