The Seattle Mariners and first baseman Josh Naylor have officially agreed to a lucrative five-year contract worth $92.5 million. The deal includes a $6.5 million signing bonus, with subsequent salaries of $10 million for the upcoming season, followed by $16 million in 2027, $18 million in 2028, $20 million in 2029, and $22 million in 2030. Naylor’s contract also grants him a full no-trade clause, giving him the power to veto any potential trades.
Naylor, a 28-year-old hailing from Mississauga, Ontario, entered free agency after an impressive season with the Mariners that culminated in a hard-fought loss to the Toronto Blue Jays in the American League Championship Series. Following the team’s playoff exit, Jerry Dipoto, the Mariners’ president of baseball operations, emphasized the importance of retaining Naylor, whom they had acquired from the Arizona Diamondbacks. Dipoto praised Naylor’s qualities, stating, “Ensuring that Josh remains a Mariner for the long haul was a priority for us. Josh’s intelligence, intensity, toughness, and competitiveness show up every day. He’s simply a winner.”
This significant contract marks the Mariners’ third-largest financial commitment in history, trailing only the deals for Robinson Cano and Robbie Ray. Manager Dan Wilson lauded Naylor’s impact on the team, highlighting his passion for the game and his drive to win, both on and off the field.
During his brief tenure with the Mariners, Naylor showcased his skills, boasting a .299 batting average with nine home runs, 33 RBIs, and 19 stolen bases in 54 regular-season games. In the postseason, he excelled with a .340 batting average, three home runs, five RBIs, and two stolen bases across 12 games. Throughout the season, Naylor maintained a solid .295 batting average, hitting 20 home runs, driving in 92 runs, and achieving a career-high of 30 stolen bases.
Expressing his enthusiasm for the contract extension, Naylor stated, “I’m going to be a Mariner again and I couldn’t be more excited. From the moment I arrived, everyone in the organization welcomed and helped me. The players brought me in and loved my game right away, and the fans were incredible.” Naylor also praised the Mariners’ devoted fanbase, vowing to continue playing alongside his teammates with the goal of bringing a championship to the city.
