Josh Naylor Joins Mariners in Trade from Diamondbacks for Pitchers

The Seattle Mariners just made a gutsy move for the postseason. They’ve acquired first baseman Josh Naylor from the Arizona Diamondbacks in a headline-grabbing trade, only days before the MLB trade deadline.

Arizona gets left-handed reliever Brandyn Garcia and right-handed prospect Ashton Izzi in return. Seattle’s making it obvious—they want that wild-card spot, while Arizona seems to be shifting gears for the future.

Let’s dig into what this trade means for both teams, and maybe what it stirs up in the playoff race.

Josh Naylor: A Solid Addition to Seattle’s Lineup

First base has been a revolving door for the Mariners this season. Josh Naylor steps right into that gap.

The 28-year-old is swinging a hot bat, hitting .292/.360/.447 with 11 home runs over 93 games. He’s always been tough on right-handed pitching, with a career OPS of .812, so he fits Seattle’s needs almost perfectly.

Naylor earned All-Star honors in 2024, back when he was with the Cleveland Guardians. He’s a rental—Seattle takes on his $10.9 million salary, but he’ll hit free agency this winter.

Because of MLB’s rules, he can’t get a qualifying offer after this in-season trade. That means Seattle probably won’t keep him beyond this year, but right now, he’s here to make an impact.

How Seattle Plans to Utilize Naylor

Manager Scott Servais plans to make Naylor the main first baseman. Luke Raley, who’s had his ups and downs, will likely see less playing time.

Naylor could also get some DH at-bats, sharing time with Donovan Solano. This gives Seattle more flexibility, especially when facing righties.

The Mariners’ Playoff Aspirations

The Mariners are fighting for an American League wild-card spot and are just a few games behind the Houston Astros. With Naylor, they add a reliable bat to a lineup that already features young stars and a rotation led by Luis Castillo.

This deal shows how serious Seattle is about making a run in 2024. They’re betting on short-term gains and hoping it pays off in October.

The Diamondbacks: Transitioning to a Seller’s Mindset

Arizona’s choice to move Naylor signals a shift—they’re looking ahead, not chasing the playoffs. Sitting 5.5 games out, they just haven’t kept up in the tough National League.

Injuries, especially losing ace Corbin Burnes, have made things even harder. The team’s at a crossroads as the deadline approaches.

The Return for Naylor: Garcia and Izzi

Arizona gets two arms for Naylor: Brandyn Garcia and Ashton Izzi. Garcia, 25, throws hard and already has big-league experience this season.

He could help the bullpen right away, but he’s still developing. Izzi, just 21, has struggled in High-A but flashes real potential—maybe he just needs the right coaching.

Arizona’s clearly thinking long-term with this move. General Manager Mike Hazen hinted that more trades could be coming as they try to build up the farm system.

Who Wins This Trade?

Seattle’s made their intentions clear. They get a legit slugger for a playoff push, and the price—a reliever and a prospect—feels fair for a shot at October.

Arizona’s side is more about building for what’s next. Garcia and Izzi might not change the franchise overnight, but they deepen the system and give the Diamondbacks more options down the line.

Final Thoughts on the Naylor Trade

MLB trades near the deadline always bring a mix of excitement and wild speculation. The Mariners-Diamondbacks deal? Yeah, it’s definitely no exception.

Seattle seems ready to push all their chips in for 2024. Arizona, meanwhile, looks like they’re seizing the chance to retool and aim for the future.

Honestly, it’s hard to say who “won.” Both teams made gutsy moves that fit where they are right now. As the season barrels toward its finish, this trade will probably keep popping up in the headlines.

 
Here is the source article for this story: Josh Naylor traded to Mariners: Diamondbacks reportedly send first baseman to Seattle for two pitchers