The Seattle Mariners might be about to make a big move this MLB offseason. General manager Justin Hollander is reportedly close to landing free agent slugger Josh Naylor on a five-year contract.
Naylor made a splash in Seattle during the second half of the 2024 season. He’s now become a centerpiece in the Mariners’ plans as they try to build on their American League West title run.
If Hollander pulls this off, it’ll be the first major free-agent signing of the winter. That’d send a clear message: the Mariners aren’t sitting back—they’re swinging for a championship.
Josh Naylor’s Journey to Seattle
Naylor’s path to the Mariners? Not exactly a straight line. The 28-year-old started out as a first-round pick with the Miami Marlins, bounced to the Cleveland Guardians, and started to turn heads with his power and speed.
In December 2023, Cleveland traded him to the Arizona Diamondbacks. They didn’t want to risk losing him for nothing in free agency.
Arizona’s postseason dreams fizzled, though. So they shipped Naylor to Seattle just before the July 31 deadline.
Impact on the Mariners’ 2024 Season
That move changed everything. Naylor quickly became one of Seattle’s most reliable bats, giving the lineup a real jolt.
His mix of contact, power, and speed brought a new balance to the team. The Mariners rode that momentum, beating the Detroit Tigers in the ALDS before falling to the Blue Jays in a wild seven-game ALCS.
Naylor’s 2024 Performance by the Numbers
Any time a guy hits .295 with 20 home runs and 92 RBIs over a season, you have to pay attention. Naylor didn’t just drive in runs—he also swiped a career-high 30 bases.
That kind of versatility? It made him indispensable for Seattle down the stretch.
Postseason Resilience
Naylor had trouble getting going in the ALDS. But in the ALCS, he caught fire, hitting a scorching .417 with three home runs and five RBIs.
He almost single-handedly kept the Mariners in it against Toronto. That bounce-back under pressure says a lot about his mental toughness and drive.
Why Hollander is Prioritizing Naylor
Justin Hollander knows what he’s got in Naylor—a player hitting his prime with the tools to deliver at the plate for years. Locking him up for five years gives Seattle stability in the heart of the lineup.
The Mariners’ Championship Aspirations
Building a champion takes more than just big names. It’s about chemistry, depth, and players who show up when it matters.
Naylor brought all three last summer, and bringing him back long-term could be the move that finally tips the balance for Seattle. Hollander’s push to get this deal done shows the Mariners are going for it—right now.
Final Thoughts
Josh Naylor’s expected return to the Mariners isn’t just another offseason headline. It feels like a statement—Seattle wants to chase a pennant, and they’re not being subtle about it.
Naylor brings a mix of offensive punch, speed, and postseason grit. He’s the kind of player who can really change things in October.
Here is the source article for this story: Seattle closing in on multiyear deal with former Guardians’ first baseman
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