Mariners Secure Naylor with Five-Year Deal in Offseason Kickoff

UPDATE: The Seattle Mariners have made a splash in the 2025-26 MLB offseason by re-signing first baseman Naylor to a five-year contract. This critical signing marks the first major move of the offseason, underscoring the Mariners’ commitment to building a championship-caliber team.

The front office’s priority was clear following their heartbreaking Game 7 loss in the American League Championship Series (ALCS): bring back Naylor. The signing, pending a physical, is seen as a significant step toward solidifying the Mariners’ roster for the upcoming season and beyond.

Naylor’s performance since joining the Mariners was nothing short of impressive. The player, who was acquired from the Arizona Diamondbacks at the trade deadline, posted a stellar .299 batting average with nine home runs and 33 RBIs over just 54 games, resulting in a 2.2 WAR. Overall, he finished the 2025 season with a remarkable .295/.353/.462 line and 20 home runs.

The Mariners have struggled to find a long-term solution at first base for nearly two decades, a void that Naylor is poised to fill. Since trading John Olerud in 2004, the team’s first basemen have struggled, ranking near the bottom in OPS. Naylor’s track record, especially at T-Mobile Park where he has hit .304 in 43 career games, suggests he can thrive in Seattle’s challenging hitting environment.

Fans and analysts alike are optimistic about Naylor’s return. His ability to make contact is crucial for a Mariners lineup that has been heavy on strikeouts, as he posted the 17th-best strikeout rate among qualified hitters in 2025. Furthermore, despite not being known for speed, Naylor impressively stole 30 bases in 32 attempts last season, demonstrating his unique skill set.

This signing is not without its risks, as the deal runs through Naylor’s age 33 season. However, with World Series aspirations on the horizon, the Mariners are banking on Naylor’s consistency and experience to guide them through a highly competitive season.

As the offseason continues to unfold, MLB experts will closely monitor the Mariners and their moves. Stay tuned for further updates and analysis on how this signing impacts the team’s strategy moving forward. Mariners fans can feel a sense of relief as their team takes this essential step toward a promising future.