BREAKING: The Seattle Mariners have officially re-signed first baseman Naylor to a five-year contract, marking the first major move of the 2025-26 MLB offseason. This urgent signing comes just after the Mariners’ heartbreaking defeat in Game 7 of the ALCS, solidifying Naylor’s status as a top priority for the team moving forward.
Naylor’s return is monumental for a franchise searching for stability at first base for nearly two decades. Following his impactful trade from the Arizona Diamondbacks, where he hit an impressive .299/.341/.490 with nine home runs and 33 RBIs in just 54 games, the Mariners are banking on his consistent performance to bolster their lineup.
WHY IT MATTERS NOW: The Mariners, who have struggled with offensive production from the first base position, have finally found a reliable solution in Naylor. His average of .295/.353/.462 for the full 2025 season, combined with a 2.2 WAR, signals a renaissance for a position that has underperformed since the days of John Olerud. With this signing, the Mariners are making a clear statement about their aspirations for the upcoming season.
Naylor’s performance at T-Mobile Park cannot be overlooked; he has excelled there, hitting .304 with a slugging percentage of .534 across 43 career games. His high-contact hitting style and impressive strikeout rate place him in the 17th percentile among qualified hitters, providing the Mariners with a much-needed blend of power and plate discipline.
The Mariners’ front office is optimistic about Naylor’s future, as this deal extends through his age-33 season. While there may be concerns about the latter years of the contract, the immediate impact of his return is crucial for a team aiming for a championship run in 2026.
As the offseason unfolds, fans and analysts alike will be closely watching further developments in Seattle’s roster moves. For now, the Mariners and their supporters can celebrate a significant step towards building a competitive team.
Stay tuned for more updates as ESPN’s MLB experts continue to analyze the offseason’s biggest moves. This story will be continuously updated with the latest developments.
