The Seattle Mariners just made the first real splash of the MLB offseason, locking up slugging first baseman Josh Naylor with a five-year deal. This move locks down a key piece of the Mariners’ lineup after Naylor’s breakout run in both the regular season and playoffs.
His re-signing addresses Seattle’s offensive needs and shakes up the broader free-agent market. Now, Pete Alonso stands as the last elite first baseman still available.
The Mariners are sending a message here—they’re not satisfied with just making the ALCS last year. They’re looking to build on that momentum and maybe go even further.
Josh Naylor’s Impact on the Mariners
Seattle picked up Josh Naylor at last season’s trade deadline from the Arizona Diamondbacks. He jumped right in and became a cornerstone for the Mariners’ offense.
In 54 regular-season games wearing a Mariners uniform, he posted a .299 batting average and an .831 OPS. He made the adjustment to his new team look easy.
Naylor found another gear in the postseason, hitting .340 with a .967 OPS. His production played a huge role in Seattle’s run to the American League Championship Series.
He brought a mix of consistent contact, situational hitting, and clutch moments. No wonder Seattle’s front office made re-signing him a top priority.
Career Year Sets the Stage for Long-Term Commitment
Naylor, just 28, is coming off the best season of his career. Over 147 games, he put up a .295 average, 29 doubles, 20 home runs, and 92 RBI.
He also surprised a lot of people with his speed, stealing 30 bases in 32 tries. That’s not something you see every day from a first baseman.
He’s clearly playing at his peak right now. By locking him in, the Mariners secured a productive bat and a versatile baserunner who fits their long-term plans.
The Significance of Seattle’s First Offseason Move
This is the first major free-agent signing of the offseason, and it sets the tone for everyone. Seattle moved fast, lowering the risk of losing Naylor to a rival.
Now, the Mariners have stability at first base. Scott Servais can build around a guy who changes games in a bunch of ways.
Why Naylor’s Signing Matters Beyond Seattle
With Naylor off the board, the focus jumps to Pete Alonso, the last elite first baseman left in free agency. Alonso’s 2023 with the Mets was impressive: .272 average, 38 home runs, 126 RBI.
He’s got the numbers, no doubt. But Alonso reportedly wants at least a seven-year deal, and that plus his age might shrink his list of suitors—even if his value just went up with Naylor signing.
What This Means for the MLB Free-Agent Landscape
Naylor’s quick deal with the Mariners sends ripples through the league. Teams hunting for first base power have to look at Alonso or settle for secondary options now.
The Mariners didn’t just grab a player—they changed the shape of the offseason. They acted fast, removed competition for Naylor, and now Alonso’s camp feels the heat.
Key Takeaways
Here are a few things that stand out and could shape the 2024 MLB season:
- Seattle’s Aggression: The Mariners moved early and got their guy before a bidding war could start.
- Naylor’s Unique Skill Set: He’s got strong offensive numbers and surprising speed, which you don’t see every day at first base.
- Market Pressure on Pete Alonso: With Naylor gone, Alonso’s value probably just ticked up for teams still looking.
- Playoff Impact: Naylor’s postseason performance made Seattle confident he can handle the big moments.
Looking Ahead
The Mariners are clearly positioning themselves for another deep playoff run. By keeping Naylor through 2028, they’ve locked in some lineup stability and added a guy whose best years are still ahead—right when they need them most.
For fans in Seattle, this move means more than just another new contract. It feels like a real commitment to winning, both now and down the road.
Across the MLB, you can see how early offseason moves like this shake up the market. While other teams scramble to react, the Mariners already crossed a big item off their list and can breathe a little easier.
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Here is the source article for this story: Josh Naylor re-signs with Mariners as first free agent first baseman domino falls: report
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