Free agent first baseman Josh Naylor is set to continue his career in the Pacific Northwest, as multiple media outlets reported late Sunday night that he has reached an agreement to re-sign with the Seattle Mariners on a five-year contract. While the exact financial terms have not yet been revealed, the deal is expected to become official once Naylor completes and passes the required physical examination. This development represents a significant step for Seattle as they prioritize shaping the foundation of their roster for the coming seasons.
The Mariners’ decision to bring Naylor back long-term is hardly surprising. Seattle initially acquired the 28-year-old slugger from the Arizona Diamondbacks on July 24, just ahead of the MLB trade deadline. In that midseason transaction, the Mariners sent left-handed pitcher Brandyn Garcia and minor league right-hander Ashton Izzi to Arizona in exchange for a bat they believed could transform their lineup. Naylor quickly validated that belief.
From the moment he arrived in Seattle, Naylor made an immediate and substantial impact. Over the course of 54 regular-season games with the Mariners, he put up outstanding numbers a .299 batting average, nine home runs, and 33 RBIs, while also producing an impressive .341 on-base percentage and .490 slugging percentage. His ability to consistently deliver quality at-bats added much-needed stability to Seattle’s lineup, and he played a pivotal role in helping the Mariners capture the American League West title.
His contributions did not end with the regular season. When Seattle entered the playoffs, Naylor elevated his game even further. In 12 postseason games, he posted a remarkable .340 batting average, hit three home runs, and drove in five RBIs, all while recording a .392 OBP and a .574 slugging percentage. His combination of power, contact ability, and fearlessness in high-pressure moments stood out as the Mariners pushed their way deep into October. Seattle ultimately advanced all the way to Game 7 of the American League Championship Series, where they were narrowly eliminated by the Toronto Blue Jays, falling just short of their first World Series appearance in over two decades.
Before joining the Mariners, Naylor enjoyed a strong run of productivity with the Diamondbacks during the first part of the 2025 season. In 93 games for Arizona, he hit .292, launched 11 home runs, and drove in 59 RBIs. One of his most impressive and often overlooked traits was his efficiency on the basepaths. Naylor went 30-for-32 in stolen base attempts during the year, showcasing a level of athleticism unusual for a player who primarily plays first base. Even more impressively, he was a perfect 19-for-19 in stolen bases after joining the Mariners, giving Seattle a rare power-speed threat at a traditionally non-speed position.
Across his career to this point, Naylor has established himself as a consistent offensive presence. Entering the 2026 season, he holds a career batting line of .269, along with 104 home runs and 435 RBIs in 745 regular-season games. His journey has included stops with the San Diego Padres (2019–20), the Cleveland Guardians (2020–24), the Arizona Diamondbacks (2025), and most recently the Seattle Mariners. One of the highlights of his career came during the 2024 season, when he earned an American League All-Star selection while playing for Cleveland, cementing himself as one of the league’s more dynamic first basemen.
Naylor also offers valuable versatility. While he has primarily played first base in recent seasons, he has experience as both a corner outfielder and a designated hitter. This flexibility allows managers to deploy him strategically depending on lineup needs, matchups, and injuries. For a team like Seattle, one that values roster adaptability and defensive options, the ability to use Naylor in multiple roles adds depth to the signing beyond just his bat.
Naylor’s professional journey began when the Miami Marlins selected him with the 12th overall pick in the 2015 MLB Draft. Considered one of the top high school power hitters in his class, Naylor quickly became one of Miami’s prized prospects. However, his stay with the Marlins was short-lived. Just over a year after being drafted, the Marlins dealt him to the San Diego Padres in a multiteam transaction that reflected San Diego’s interest in accelerating their roster rebuild with young talent. It was with the Padres where Naylor received his first real opportunities in the major leagues.
In August 2020, the Padres sent Naylor to Cleveland as part of a package involving players like Mike Clevinger. His stint with Cleveland marked a defining chapter in his career, as he played some of his most impactful baseball and grew into a reliable middle-of-the-order presence. His All-Star nod in 2024 highlighted his progress and positioned him as one of the most respected hitters in the league.
After the 2024 season concluded, the Guardians traded Naylor to the Arizona Diamondbacks in exchange for right-handed pitcher Slade Cecconi, signaling that Arizona viewed Naylor as a major lineup booster for their 2025 campaign. He fulfilled those expectations before being shipped to Seattle at the midseason deadline, where he immediately became a centerpiece of the Mariners’ postseason push.
Now, after several seasons of movement, Naylor appears to have found a more permanent home. Seattle’s decision to sign him to a five-year contract reflects both their confidence in his long-term value and their desire to keep stability in the heart of their lineup. For a franchise that has steadily built a competitive core around players such as Julio RodrÃguez, Cal Raleigh, and George Kirby, adding Naylor as a long-term fixture signals a strong belief in their current championship window.
From an organizational standpoint, bringing Naylor back represents a significant box checked off on the Mariners’ offseason agenda. Seattle entered the winter with a clear priority on strengthening their offensive production, especially at first base, a position that had lacked consistency in recent years. Naylor’s blend of power, contact hitting, baserunning, and clubhouse presence made him their top target. The Mariners didn’t waste time making sure they kept him, and securing him on a long-term deal removes one of the biggest questions heading into the 2026 season.
Naylor’s presence not only solidifies Seattle’s lineup but also brings competitive energy and intensity to the clubhouse. His well-known fiery persona, relentless approach at the plate, and willingness to play through challenges have earned him respect across the league. Those qualities become especially valuable for a team with playoff aspirations, where leadership and emotional momentum can significantly influence postseason success.
For Seattle fans, the return of Naylor provides another reason for optimism. His 2025 postseason performance where he routinely delivered in clutch moments, will remain fresh in the minds of a fanbase that is hungry for a World Series breakthrough. With Naylor back and expected to be a full-season contributor, hopes will naturally rise for the Mariners to not only return to October but to advance even further.
As the deal awaits finalization through the physical process, there is little doubt about the organization’s excitement. Seattle has secured one of its most productive hitters, a dynamic baserunner, and a player who proved he could thrive on the big stage. By locking up Naylor for five years, the Mariners position themselves for continued competitiveness and stability as they aim to build upon the success of their 2025 season.
In summary, Josh Naylor’s decision to re-sign with the Mariners represents a significant moment for both the player and the franchise. Seattle gets a cornerstone bat entering his prime years, while Naylor finds a fitting place to continue his career after a season in which he made an enormous impact. The deal, pending the final medical check, sets the stage for what both sides hope will be a fruitful and winning partnership over the next half decade.
