First baseman Josh Naylor has officially signed a lucrative five-year deal with the Seattle Mariners, totaling $92.5 million. The contract includes a $6.5 million signing bonus to be paid within 120 days of approval by the commissioner’s office, with annual salaries of $10 million for the upcoming season, escalating to $16 million in 2027, $18 million in 2028, $20 million in 2029, and $22 million in 2030.
Naylor’s contract includes a full no-trade clause, giving him the authority to veto any potential trades to other teams. The 28-year-old, hailing from Mississauga, Ontario, entered free agency following the Mariners’ loss to the Toronto Blue Jays in the American League Championship Series. After Seattle’s postseason run, the team’s president of baseball operations, Jerry Dipoto, emphasized the importance of retaining Naylor, whom they had acquired from the Arizona Diamondbacks.
Dipoto expressed his satisfaction with securing Naylor for the long term, praising the player’s attributes such as intelligence, intensity, toughness, and competitiveness, labeling him as a valuable asset to the team. The Mariners’ commitment to Naylor’s contract ranks as the third-largest in the franchise’s history, following significant deals for second baseman Robinson Cano and pitcher Robbie Ray.
Manager Dan Wilson also commended Naylor’s impact on and off the field during his brief three-month tenure with the Mariners, highlighting his drive, intensity, and commitment to winning as significant contributions to the team’s dynamic. In his 54 games with the Mariners, Naylor boasted impressive statistics, hitting .299 with nine home runs, 33 RBIs, and 19 stolen bases. Throughout the season, he maintained a strong performance, concluding with a batting average of .295, 20 home runs, 92 RBIs, and a career-best 30 stolen bases.
Naylor expressed his enthusiasm about continuing his journey with the Mariners, citing the warm welcome and support he received from the organization, teammates, and fans. He acknowledged Seattle’s passionate fan base, pledging to work alongside his teammates to strive for a championship victory in the upcoming seasons.
