First baseman Josh Naylor has officially signed a lucrative five-year, $92.5 million contract with the Seattle Mariners. The deal includes a $6.5 million signing bonus to be paid within 120 days of approval by the commissioner’s office, along with escalating salaries of $10 million for the upcoming season, $16 million in 2027, $18 million in 2028, $20 million in 2029, and $22 million in 2030. Naylor’s contract also grants him a full no-trade clause, giving him the authority to veto any potential trades.
The 28-year-old Canadian native, who hails from Mississauga, entered free agency after the Mariners fell to the Toronto Blue Jays in the American League Championship Series. Following the conclusion of the season, Mariners’ president of baseball operations, Jerry Dipoto, emphasized the significance of retaining Naylor, whom they had acquired from the Arizona Diamondbacks. Dipoto praised Naylor’s attributes, highlighting his intelligence, toughness, and competitive spirit, describing him as a pivotal asset to the team’s success.
This substantial contract marks the third-largest commitment in Mariners’ history, trailing only the long-term deals for second baseman Robinson Cano and pitcher Robbie Ray. Naylor’s impact on and off the field during his brief tenure with the Mariners earned him praise from manager Dan Wilson, who commended his tenacity and dedication to winning.
During his 54-game stint with the Mariners, Naylor boasted impressive statistics, hitting .299 with nine home runs, 33 RBIs, and 19 stolen bases. In postseason play, he maintained a stellar performance, batting .340 with three home runs, five RBIs, and two stolen bases. Throughout the season, Naylor showcased his versatility, culminating in a .295 batting average, 20 home runs, 92 RBIs, and a career-best 30 stolen bases.
Expressing his excitement about the contract extension, Naylor conveyed his gratitude towards the organization, teammates, and fans for their unwavering support. He lauded the Mariners’ fanbase as the best in baseball, citing their fervent energy and dedication as motivating factors in his decision to continue his career with the team, aiming to contribute towards bringing a championship to the city.
