In a move that was as expected as it is consequential, the Seattle Mariners are poised to keep the spark-plug that helped fuel their late-season surge: Josh Naylor.
Naylor’s Arrival Sparked an Instant Turnaround
According to reports, the Mariners and Naylor are finalizing a five-year contract, marking the first major signing of the 2025-26 MLB offseason. While financial terms are still under wraps, the commitment signals more than just roster strategy; it’s a declaration of intent. The Mariners are done playing small ball with their checkbook.
Let’s rewind. When Seattle acquired Naylor from Arizona on July 24, the numbers told a sobering story. Mariners first basemen were hitting a collective .223 with a .668 OPS, 23rd in the league. Naylor arrived as a remedy, not just a replacement. At the time of the trade, he was already putting together a strong season in Arizona, batting .292 with 11 home runs, 19 doubles, and 11 stolen bases over 394 plate appearances.
But it was in Seattle that Naylor’s season, and perhaps his career, took off.
Over just 210 plate appearances in the final two months, Naylor delivered a potent .299/.341/.490 slash line with 9 home runs, 10 doubles, and a jaw-dropping 19 steals, more than he’d ever recorded in a full season. On a team brimming with rising talent, he emerged as the third most valuable Mariner post-trade, according to Baseball Reference’s WAR metric, trailing only Cal Raleigh and Julio Rodríguez.
Postseason Performance Cemented His Value
Then came October, and Naylor didn’t just ride the wave; he helped generate it. He slashed .340/.392/.574 in the postseason, including three home runs and two doubles over 51 plate appearances, proving himself in the crucible of playoff baseball. For a team starved for October heroes, Naylor played the part to perfection.
Mariners Signal a New Era of Spending
For a franchise that came within reach of its first World Series appearance, letting Naylor walk wasn’t an option. After years of financial handcuffs, Seattle’s ownership signaled a change in posture this winter: invest to win. That directive made Naylor a must-sign, and they got it done.
If there were any doubts about whether Naylor was a temporary spark or a cornerstone piece, this deal answers them. The Mariners believe his bat, his energy, and his speed are part of the blueprint moving forward. With the AL West tightening and the stakes rising, Seattle’s first move of the offseason might also be its most defining.
