Josh Naylor is on the brink of a major career move, with whispers of a 5-year homecoming to the Seattle Mariners. But is this the right move for the rising star?
According to sources, the Mariners are in the final stages of securing Naylor's return, a move that will undoubtedly excite fans after his stellar performance last season. The first baseman's potential contract is pending a physical, and the club has remained tight-lipped about the deal.
Naylor's stock skyrocketed during the 2025 postseason, where he batted an impressive .417 with three home runs in the ALCS against the Blue Jays. This followed a regular season where he achieved a career-high 3.1 bWAR, showcasing his all-around talent. And this is the part most fans might have missed: his journey to this point hasn't been a straight line.
Naylor started the season with the D-backs, but his mid-season trade to Seattle proved to be a game-changer. He not only helped the Mariners clinch their first division title in over two decades but also pushed them to the brink of the World Series. His numbers in Arizona (.292/.360/.447, 11 home runs, 11 steals) were impressive, but he turned it up a notch after the trade, boasting an .831 OPS and an incredible 19 successful steals in as many attempts.
What makes this even more remarkable is Naylor's ability to excel on the basepaths despite being just above average in terms of speed. His smart base-running choices paid off, and he became a key part of the Mariners' success.
Naylor's career began with the Padres in 2019, and he was traded to Cleveland before the 2020 deadline, where he truly made a name for himself. A standout performance against the Yankees in the 2020 AL Wild Card Series (5-for-7 with three doubles and a homer) was just the beginning. After earning his first All-Star selection in 2024, he was traded to Arizona, and the rest, as they say, is history.
Naylor's strengths are evident: he's a high-average hitter with 30-homer potential and a low strikeout rate (13.7%, in the 91st percentile). His squared-up rate of 31.2% (89th percentile) showcases his ability to make solid contact. While he may not be a Gold Glove-caliber first baseman, his defensive skills are solid, with a +2 Outs Above Average rating last season, according to Statcast.
So, is Naylor's potential return to the Mariners a slam dunk? Or is there room for debate? The baseball world awaits the official announcement, and fans are eager to see what the future holds for this talented player.
