Cornerstone: Mariners sign 1B Josh Naylor to five-year contract
They didn’t want to wait any longer.
They couldn’t let their No. 1 free-agent priority slip away.
It’s why the Seattle Mariners signed Josh Naylor to a five-year, $92.5 million contract, keeping their first baseman in the Pacific Northwest through 2030, the team announced Monday.
“Ensuring that Josh remains a Mariner for the long haul was a priority for us,” Mariners president of baseball operations Jerry Dipoto said. “Josh’s intelligence, intensity, toughness, and competitiveness show up every day. He’s simply a winner.”
The 28-year-old first acquired by the Mariners in a July 24 trade with the Arizona Diamondbacks instantly thrived at T-Mobile Park, a foundational contributor amid Seattle’s playoff push. Naylor’s sensational stretch upon his arrival endeared himself to a fanbase that saw the Mariners go deeper into the postseason than ever before, falling in Game 7 of the American League Championship Series (ALCS).
“I’m going to be a Mariner again and I couldn’t be more excited,” Naylor said. “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.
“Seattle has the best fanbase in baseball. They’re electric and support us through and through, and I couldn’t be more thankful for that. I can’t wait to continue to play with these guys and bring the city a championship.”
Naylor means it. His deal includes a full no-trade clause.
In 54 games for the Mariners last season, Naylor slashed .299/.341/.490 with nine home runs, 33 RBI, and 19 stolen bases. He launched another three homers with a .340 batting average in Seattle’s 12 postseason games.
The 2024 AL All-Star has a knack for excelling where most players haven’t: Naylor is a career .304 hitter in 163 plate appearances at T-Mobile Park despite its status as one of baseball’s most pitcher-friendly parks. In 2025, he posted his first 20-homer, 20-stolen base season, becoming the 14th first baseman in MLB history to do so. He’s the third first baseman in history with 20 homers and 30 stolen bases in a single season, joining Paul Goldschmidt (2016) and Jeff Bagwell (1997, ‘99).
“From his first day as a Mariner, Josh has been a perfect fit on the field, in the clubhouse, and in our community,” Mariners executive vice president and general manager Justin Hollander said. “We are thrilled that he will be with us for the next five seasons.”
This story was originally published November 16, 2025 at 6:30 PM with the headline "Cornerstone: Mariners sign 1B Josh Naylor to five-year contract."
