The first domino of the 2025-2026 offseason has fallen. Josh Naylor and the Seattle Mariners are in agreement on a five-year deal in the $90-100 million range, pending a physical, sources confirm to ESPN’s Jeff Passan.
Report: Josh Naylor Re-Signs with Mariners
BREAKING: First baseman Josh Naylor and the Seattle Mariners are finalizing a five-year contract, sources familiar with the deal tell ESPN. The first major free agent to sign this winter goes back to Seattle, where he was beloved after joining the Mariners in a deadline trade.
— Jeff Passan (@JeffPassan) November 17, 2025
Naylor’s Offensive Profile
Naylor was traded to the Mariners at the deadline and immediately became a fan favorite, giving Seattle a much-needed spark in the lineup. In 54 games with the Mariners, Naylor slashed .299/.341/.490 with nine home runs, 28 RBI, and an .831 OPS. He also added 14 doubles, posted a 132 wRC+, and struck out in just 17.3% of his plate appearances while walking 6.1% of the time. His bat consistently played in the middle of the order, and he recorded 17 multi-hit games during that stretch, including a pair of three-hit performances in September as Seattle pushed for the postseason.
Josh Naylor – Seattle Mariners (2)* pic.twitter.com/nVfoeiVhUq
— MLB HR Videos (@MLBHRVideos) October 17, 2025
Naylor’s Defensive Profile
Naylor is also a very underrated defender. Across first base and occasional corner-outfield reps, he posted +3 Defensive Runs Saved (DRS) and +2 Outs Above Average (OAA). His arm strength graded in the 69th percentile, and his first-base scooping ability was among the best in the league—he converted 94% of difficult throws into outs, well above the league average of 88%. Naylor also posted a +1.4 UZR, showing that his footwork and range are legitimate assets rather than afterthoughts. His defensive consistency made him one of Seattle’s most reliable two-way contributors down the stretch.
Josh Naylor pulls off a heads-up double play! pic.twitter.com/82ohl381Tg
— MLB (@MLB) October 8, 2025
Baserunning
Naylor was also a perfect 19-for-19 in stolen-base attempts with the Mariners. He showcased elite baserunning instincts to go along with his offensive surge. His 100% success rate was one of the best in the league over that stretch. Naylor averaged a stolen base roughly once every three games. His sprint speed jumped to the 79th percentile, and he generated +2.4 baserunning runs (BsR) after the trade. For a mid-season acquisition, that is outstanding. His aggression on the bases consistently put pressure on opposing pitchers and created scoring opportunities, adding another dynamic element to Seattle’s lineup
JOSH NAYLOR IS ON THE MOVE!
: FOX pic.twitter.com/HNLtPUWgHM
— FOX Sports: MLB (@MLBONFOX) October 11, 2025
Naylor’s Impact in Seattle
The Mariners made retaining Naylor a priority this offseason, and they got their man. From the power and speed that Naylor provides in their lineup, he is a perfect fit. Jerry Dipoto’s plan at the GM meetings this week was to keep the same core they had in 2025 intact, and so far, mission accomplished.
Main Photo Credit: John Froschauer-Imagn Images
The post BREAKING: Mariners Ink Josh Naylor to 5-Year Deal appeared first on Last Word On Baseball.