Josh Naylor Returns to Seattle Mariners with New Five-Year Deal

Post by : Mara Rahim

Free agent first baseman Josh Naylor has reached an agreement to rejoin the Seattle Mariners on a five-year deal, as reported by multiple media outlets on Sunday evening. While specific financial terms were not disclosed, the deal awaits the completion of Naylor's physical for official confirmation. His return is a pivotal moment for Seattle, particularly following his impressive performance last season.

At 28, Naylor initially joined the Mariners when they acquired him from the Arizona Diamondbacks right before the trade deadline. In a swap, Seattle sent left-handed pitcher Brandyn Garcia and minor league arm Ashton Izzi to Arizona. Naylor's arrival came at a critical juncture for the Mariners, rapidly establishing himself as a dependable contributor.

Throughout the regular season, Naylor showcased his skills effectively. Playing in 54 games, he boasted a .299 batting average, belted nine home runs, and drove in 33 runs (RBIs). His on-base percentage was .341, along with a slugging percentage of .490, underscoring his efficiency at the plate. Naylor's contributions were instrumental in securing the American League West division title for Seattle.

Elevating his game during the postseason, Naylor achieved an impressive .340 batting average in 12 playoff games, hitting three home runs and amassing five RBIs. His on-base percentage climbed to .392, and his slugging percentage rose to .574, demonstrating his capacity to deliver in high-pressure moments.

The Mariners made it to Game 7 of the American League Championship Series (ALCS), marking the end of their playoff aspirations with a loss to the Toronto Blue Jays. Nonetheless, Naylor’s standout playoff performance solidified his role as a key player during Seattle’s postseason efforts.

Prior to joining the Mariners, Naylor played 93 games in 2025 for the Arizona Diamondbacks, posting a .292 average with 11 home runs and 59 RBIs, complemented by an impressive 30 stolen bases in 32 attempts. He excelled with the Mariners too, going a perfect 19-for-19 in stolen bases.

In his MLB career, Naylor has showcased significant power and versatility, holding a career batting average of .269, 104 home runs, and 435 RBIs over 745 games. He's had stints with multiple teams, including the San Diego Padres (2019-2020), Cleveland Guardians (2020-2024), Arizona Diamondbacks (2025), and now with the Mariners. His credentials include an All-Star selection in 2024 during his tenure with the Guardians.

Besides his batting prowess, Naylor is appreciated for his flexibility on the field. Primarily a first baseman, he has also played in the outfield and has occupied the designated hitter role, making him an adaptable asset for varied lineups.

Naylor's baseball journey took off in 2015 when he was drafted 12th overall by the Miami Marlins in the MLB Draft. Within a year, he was traded to the San Diego Padres. By August 2020, he transitioned to the Cleveland Guardians, where he thrived for four seasons before moving to Arizona in December 2024. His acquisition by Seattle in July 2025 became a defining moment in his career.

With this new five-year contract, Josh Naylor is poised to play a vital role in the Mariners' future, as they look to build on his powerful hitting and dynamic base-running to ensure sustained competitiveness.