The 2025 Tip O’Neill Award, given annually by the Canadian Baseball Hall of Fame to the best Canadian player in Major League Baseball, has been claimed by Seattle Mariners’ first baseman Josh Naylor from Mississauga, Ontario. Naylor, who split his time between Arizona and Seattle, topped all Canadian players in batting average (.295), RBIs (92), and stolen bases (30). Additionally, he ranked second among Canadian MLB players in hits (160), runs (81), home runs (20), doubles (29), and walks (48).
Expressing his gratitude in a press release, Naylor stated, “To receive this award is truly humbling. I am thankful and honored. I will strive to continue setting a positive example for the younger generation through hard work and dedication.”
The 28-year-old Naylor was chosen for the award over other notable Canadian players such as Nick Pivetta of the Boston Red Sox, Vladimir Guerrero Jr. of the Toronto Blue Jays, and Cade Smith of the Cleveland Guardians. Scott Crawford, the Hall’s director of operations, praised Naylor’s exceptional performance throughout the 2025 season, highlighting his offensive prowess, base-stealing skills, and unwavering passion for the game.
During the final stretch of the season, Naylor played a pivotal role for the Mariners, achieving a .364 batting average and a .982 OPS in September as the team pushed towards the American League West title. He also made history by joining an exclusive group of MLB first basemen, becoming only the second Canadian, after Larry Walker, to achieve 20 home runs and 30 stolen bases in a single season.
Naylor carried his momentum into the postseason, where he boasted a .340 batting average and a .966 OPS across 12 games, leading the Mariners with 16 hits. Notably, he established several Canadian postseason records, including being the first Canadian player to secure four three-hit games in a single postseason.
Following the season, Naylor signed a lucrative five-year contract with the Mariners worth $92.5 million US. Drafted 12th overall by the Miami Marlins in the 2015 MLB draft, Naylor is now entering his eighth season in the major leagues.
