Seattle Mariners fans could be forgiven for feeling uneasy as Josh Naylor’s free agency approaches. After all, Naylor was nearly the perfect fit for Seattle in every imaginable way. Since joining the team at the trade deadline, he became a stabilizing force at first base a position that had long been a revolving door for the Mariners while also bringing a surprising burst of athleticism and energy to the lineup. His impact was immediate and undeniable: in just 51 regular-season games, Naylor not only delivered consistent offensive production but also showcased unexpected speed, swiping 19 bases and adding a dynamic edge that few expected from a power-hitting corner infielder.
Now, as the offseason unfolds, Naylor is set to test the open market, hoping to cash in on his breakout campaign. At just 29 years old heading into next season, he’s entering free agency at the ideal time — in his prime, coming off an All-Star season, and positioned as one of the few first basemen capable of impacting the game in multiple ways. The market for a player like him will likely be strong, and that reality has naturally made Seattle fans anxious. After years of searching for a stable, productive bat at first base, the thought of losing Naylor so soon after acquiring him feels like a gut punch waiting to happen.
But amid the uncertainty, there’s reason for optimism. According to Mariners insider Ryan Divish of The Seattle Times, Seattle may still be the front-runner to retain their star slugger. In a recent column discussing Naylor’s upcoming free agency, Divish pointed out several factors that could work in the Mariners’ favor.
“The Mariners aren’t the only team in need of a first baseman,” Divish wrote. “But they might have the most motivation and money to sign Naylor. They’ve made it clear he is a priority. But it’s also never quite that simple.”
That last sentence perfectly captures the delicate balance of optimism and realism surrounding the Mariners’ pursuit. The front office knows how crucial Naylor is to their offensive structure and clubhouse chemistry, but free agency is often unpredictable. Once a player hits the open market, anything can happen especially when other teams with deep pockets and similar needs get involved.
To illustrate this uncertainty, Divish quoted a former MLB executive who offered a cautionary reminder of how volatile the free-agent market can be.
“There’s always that one unexpected team that comes in and causes issues,” the executive said. “You think you have the market figured out and the right deal, and everything changes.”
For Seattle, that potential wildcard looms large. Several teams are expected to monitor Naylor’s situation closely, and a few could emerge as legitimate threats to sign him. Divish highlighted some of the most likely competitors, beginning with the New York Mets. The Mets’ level of involvement will largely depend on what happens with their own star first baseman, Pete Alonso, who is also a free agent. If Alonso walks, the Mets could shift their focus to Naylor as a younger, versatile alternative capable of filling the power void in their lineup.
Another team to watch is the Boston Red Sox. Boston, however, may prefer to target a right-handed bat to balance their lefty-heavy lineup, which could make Naylor less of a fit despite their need at first base. Then there are the Texas Rangers a team that would love to add another impact hitter but faces significant payroll challenges. The Rangers are already dangerously close to the luxury tax threshold and may hesitate to cross it for a third consecutive year, limiting their ability to make a competitive offer.
In other words, while there are plenty of potential bidders, each comes with its own complications. That reality, combined with Seattle’s apparent willingness to prioritize Naylor, gives the Mariners a legitimate edge.
Financially, the deal seems doable. Tim Britton of The Athletic recently projected Naylor’s contract to land around four years and $92 million a figure that fits within the Mariners’ estimated $30 million offseason budget. Seattle’s front office has made it clear that they intend to be aggressive but selective this winter, targeting specific areas rather than overspending across the board. Locking up Naylor would not only address a major position of need but also send a message to fans and players alike that the organization is serious about contending.
Naylor’s appeal goes far beyond his stat line. On the field, he brings a rare combination of power, contact ability, and athleticism. Off the field, his energy, leadership, and fiery competitiveness have made him a fan favorite and a clubhouse leader in a remarkably short time. The Mariners’ lineup seemed more cohesive and confident with Naylor in the middle of it. His presence also allowed other players such as Julio Rodríguez and Cal Raleigh to settle into more natural roles without carrying the entire offensive load.
Moreover, Naylor’s style of play perfectly embodies what Seattle’s front office and fan base crave: grit, versatility, and a willingness to compete on every pitch. He plays with visible emotion, celebrates his teammates, and attacks the game with a passion that resonates deeply in a city that values hard-nosed, blue-collar effort. That connection between player and fan base can be powerful, and it’s one of the reasons why so many in Seattle are hoping the front office finds a way to keep him.
Still, the reality of modern baseball economics looms large. Even if the Mariners are motivated, they’ll have to strike a delicate balance between financial prudence and competitive aggression. Naylor will command a significant salary, and while a four-year deal seems reasonable now, it’s easy to imagine another team extending that to five years or bumping the annual value above $25 million to sweeten the offer.
This is where Seattle’s internal evaluation of Naylor’s long-term value becomes critical. Can they justify committing nearly $100 million to a player who, while talented, has a limited track record of sustained production? Or do they risk losing him and reverting to a revolving door of short-term fixes at first base?
From a baseball standpoint, the case for re-signing him is compelling. Naylor’s 2025 season was not just productive it was transformative for Seattle’s offense. He brought balance to the lineup, consistency to a position of instability, and a new level of dynamism on the basepaths. Few players of his size and profile can impact a game both with their bat and their legs, and that uniqueness makes him particularly valuable.
There’s also the intangible factor of momentum. The Mariners made real strides in 2025, pushing deeper into contention and establishing themselves as one of the American League’s most exciting up-and-coming teams. Letting Naylor walk would feel like a step backward both symbolically and competitively. For a franchise trying to build sustainable success, retaining core contributors like him is essential.
As the offseason unfolds, the Mariners’ pursuit of Naylor will likely experience ups and downs. There will be reports suggesting he’s leaning toward staying, followed by rumors linking him to other clubs. Each development will swing fan sentiment one way or another. But ultimately, the sense around the league is that Seattle has both the motivation and the means to make a serious push to keep him.
If they succeed, it would mark a defining moment for the organization proof that the Mariners are ready to retain top-tier talent and invest in a winning future. If they fail, it would underscore the challenges of operating in a competitive market and could leave a significant hole in both the lineup and the clubhouse.
For now, the situation remains fluid, but optimism persists. Naylor’s comfort level in Seattle, his fit within the clubhouse, and the team’s financial flexibility all point toward a potential reunion. And while nothing in free agency is guaranteed, the Mariners have positioned themselves as the team best equipped and most motivated to keep their All-Star slugger in the Pacific Northwest.
Over the coming weeks, Mariners fans will be watching closely, hoping their front office can turn that motivation into action. Because for a team on the cusp of greatness, losing Josh Naylor would feel less like a roster change and more like a missed opportunity.
And given how much he’s meant to the franchise in such a short span, letting him walk now would be nothing short of a failure.
