Josh Naylor Agrees to 5-Year Contract with Seattle Mariners

The Seattle Mariners just made a big move for their offense, signing first baseman Josh Naylor to a five-year deal. Naylor, 28, came back to Seattle midseason in 2025 and now re-signs after a breakout year where he thrived—even with all the team changes.

This agreement rewards his performance and locks down a crucial spot for a Mariners squad that’s hungry to build on recent playoff runs.

Josh Naylor’s Journey to the Mariners

Naylor’s road back to Seattle? Definitely not a straight line. The Miami Marlins drafted him in 2015, and he carved out a solid major league career, hitting .269 over seven seasons.

His breakout finally came in 2024 with the Cleveland Guardians, where he earned his first All-Star nod and showed off both power and consistency at the plate.

From Cleveland to Arizona – and Back to the Pacific Northwest

After that huge season, Cleveland traded Naylor to the Arizona Diamondbacks. He kept producing there, too.

As the 2025 trade deadline neared, Seattle jumped at the chance to get him, hoping for an offensive spark in the postseason. That move paid off—Naylor quickly became a crucial piece for the Mariners, delivering clutch hits and bringing energy to the middle of the lineup.

Thriving in a Pitcher-Friendly Park

T-Mobile Park in Seattle isn’t exactly a hitter’s paradise. Its big outfield and chilly weather tend to suppress offense.

But Naylor didn’t seem to care. Over 54 games with the Mariners in 2025, he hit .299/.341/.490, launched nine home runs, and stole 19 bases—a wild combo for a first baseman.

Elite Plate Discipline

Baseball Savant says Naylor’s 13.7 percent strikeout rate ranked in the 91st percentile among all MLB players. That kind of plate discipline fuels steady production and makes pitchers miserable—he just doesn’t give away at-bats.

October Brilliance

Seattle’s bet on Naylor really paid off when the postseason rolled around. In 12 playoff games, he hit .340 and kept coming through with timely extra-base hits.

His energy and knack for big moments quickly made him a fan favorite.

Leadership and Stability

This five-year deal brings more than just offense—it adds leadership and stability to a team with real championship dreams. For Naylor, it’s a chance to settle in with a club that clearly values his fire and skills.

Seattle’s making it clear: they see him as a cornerstone in their World Series chase.

Impact on Mariners’ Future

Re-signing Naylor shapes the Mariners’ lineup for years. With his athleticism, plate discipline, and playoff experience, he’s set to be a central figure in their offensive plans.

They’ve now got a first baseman who can handle pressure and deliver when it counts.

Key benefits of the signing include:

• Long-term stability at first base
• Elite contact and on-base skills
• Speed and athleticism uncommon for the position
• Proven playoff performer
• Leadership presence in the clubhouse

Why This Deal Matters

Baseball’s all about squeezing value out of every roster spot these days, right? Naylor’s unique skill set checks a lot of boxes for Seattle. He can hit for average, drive the ball to all fields, and keep defenses honest with his speed.

And let’s be honest—his October track record is exactly what a contender needs.

Final Thoughts

Josh Naylor’s return to the Seattle Mariners isn’t just a headline—it’s a bold move for a team that wants to win. The five-year deal keeps one of baseball’s most reliable first basemen in Seattle.

Naylor thrives in tough parks and doesn’t shy away from big moments. Mariners fans at T-Mobile Park can look forward to seeing a player who brings grit, skill, and a bit of swagger to every game.

 
Here is the source article for this story: Josh Naylor, Mariners Reportedly Agree to 5-Year Contract amid MLB Free Agency