Josh Naylor’s 5-Year Deal with Mariners: What This Game-Changing Contract Means for the Future

The Seattle Mariners are locking down first baseman Josh Naylor with a five-year deal, according to someone close to the situation who chatted with The Associated Press on Sunday. The team hasn’t made the news official yet, so this source stayed anonymous—ESPN got the jump on reporting this contract agreement. At 28, Naylor hit free agency for the first time just after Seattle’s thrilling ALCS loss to the Toronto Blue Jays in Game 7. Mariners president Jerry Dipoto quickly made it clear that re-signing Naylor was top priority, especially after snagging him midseason from the Arizona Diamondbacks. Over his brief but impactful three months with Seattle, Manager Dan Wilson praised Naylor’s infectious intensity and hunger to win, qualities that sparked energy both on the diamond and in the clubhouse. By the numbers, Naylor crushed a .299 average in 54 games, belted nine homers, drove in 33, and swiped 19 bases; in the postseason, he elevated his game, hitting .340 with three more homers and two steals across 12 contests. Counting the whole campaign, he posted a .295 average, 20 homers, 92 RBIs, and a career-high 30 stolen bases—a performance worthy of this long-term commitment. LEARN MORE.

SEATTLE (AP) — First baseman Josh Naylor and the Seattle Mariners are finalizing a five-year contract, a person with knowledge of the deal told The Associated Press on Sunday.

The person spoke on condition of anonymity because the team had not announced the contract. ESPN was the first to report the deal.

Naylor, 28, became a free agent for the first time shortly after the Mariners lost to the Toronto Blue Jays in Game 7 of the American League Championship Series. Soon after Seattle’s season ended, president of baseball operations Jerry Dipoto stressed the importance of re-signing Naylor after acquiring him from the Arizona Diamondbacks and called it a priority to bring the first baseman back.

Manager Dan Wilson spoke highly of the impact Naylor had on the Mariners both on and off the field over his three months with the franchise.

“You need that intensity. You need that drive,” Wilson said. “I think his drive to win is incredible also. And that’s what you’re going to need from all your guys, and that’s a big part of what he brought to this club.”

In 54 games with the Mariners, Naylor hit .299 with nine home runs, 33 RBIs and 19 stolen bases. In 12 postseason games, Naylor hit .340 with three home runs, five RBIs and two stolen bases.

Over the entire season, Naylor hit .295 with 20 home runs, 92 RBIs and a career-high 30 stolen bases.