Josh Naylor Set to Remain with Mariners on Five-Year Deal

The Seattle Mariners made a bold push for the World Series in 2025, acquiring Josh Naylor at the trade deadline to strengthen their lineup. While the team fell short in the ALCS against the Toronto Blue Jays, Naylor’s contributions were instrumental in Seattle’s success, and the organization is moving quickly to secure him for the long term.

Naylor, now a free agent, is expected to sign a five-year deal with the Mariners, according to ESPN’s Jeff Passan. This marks the first major free-agent signing of the offseason for Seattle and underscores the team’s commitment to building around key offensive contributors.

The veteran slugger’s presence was felt immediately after arriving in Seattle. His energy and production helped spark a late-season surge that ultimately led to the Mariners capturing the AL West division title, their first since 2001, and advancing to the ALCS for the first time in the same span.

By locking Naylor into a long-term deal, Seattle ensures continuity in its lineup alongside stars like Julio Rodríguez, Cal Raleigh, and a deep rotation, establishing a core that could contend for years to come.

1. Naylor’s 2025 Performance

Josh Naylor began 2025 with the Arizona Diamondbacks following an offseason trade from the Cleveland Guardians. While he did not replicate his 2024 totals of 31 homers and 108 RBIs, he remained a highly effective offensive force and a top trade deadline target. Across the regular season, Naylor slashed .295/.353/.462 with 20 home runs and 92 RBIs, providing consistency and clutch hitting for a Mariners team pushing for a division title. His ability to contribute both power and average made him a versatile middle-of-the-order bat. In the postseason, Naylor elevated his performance further. Over 12 games, he slashed .340/.392/.574 with three home runs and five RBIs, playing a key role in Seattle’s run to the ALCS and helping energize the clubhouse during critical moments. Naylor’s performance demonstrated his ability to make an immediate impact and provided the Mariners with confidence that he can serve as a foundational piece for the team moving forward.

2. Mariners’ Long-Term Strategy

Securing Naylor on a five-year deal signals Seattle’s commitment to building around a stable core of offensive and pitching talent. The Mariners now have a lineup anchored by Naylor, Julio Rodríguez, and Cal Raleigh, complemented by a rotation capable of competing at the highest level. This move also reflects the organization’s willingness to invest in proven veterans who have demonstrated postseason impact. Naylor’s combination of production, experience, and clubhouse presence made him a top priority for the front office entering the offseason. Locking in Naylor ensures continuity for a team that has not consistently reached the postseason in recent decades. By pairing him with young stars and pitching depth, Seattle positions itself for sustained contention in the AL West. The deal also allows the Mariners to maintain momentum from the 2025 season, ensuring that the energy and chemistry sparked by Naylor’s arrival continue into the 2026 campaign.

3. Looking Ahead

As the 2026 season approaches, the Mariners’ focus will be on integrating Naylor fully into the long-term plans and balancing roster construction with emerging talent. His presence provides stability in the middle of the lineup and bolsters Seattle’s pursuit of another deep postseason run. The long-term commitment to Naylor also signals to the league that the Mariners are serious about competing at the highest level and willing to invest in key players who can have an immediate impact. With Naylor secured alongside Rodriguez, Raleigh, and a strong rotation, Seattle now has the framework to contend consistently in the AL West while addressing areas of need through targeted offseason moves. By retaining one of the most productive bats acquired midseason, the Mariners have taken a decisive step toward establishing a sustainable core for the years ahead.