The Seattle Mariners are set to secure a significant free-agent signing, re-signing first baseman Josh Naylor to a five-year contract, according to ESPN. This move marks the first major free-agent acquisition of the offseason. Naylor, 28, demonstrated his prowess in the 2025 season, slashing .295/.353/.462 in 147 games for the Diamondbacks and Mariners. The Mariners acquired him from Arizona before the trade deadline, and he contributed significantly to their American League West title, boasting an OPS+ of 138 in 54 regular-season games. Naylor's performance continued in the ALCS, where he batted .417 with three home runs, though the Mariners ultimately lost the series to the Toronto Blue Jays in seven games. Naylor's career highlights include his first and only All-Star selection in 2024 as a member of the Guardians, with an OPS+ of 116 and a WAR of 8.4 over seven MLB seasons. CBS Sports ranked Naylor as the 23rd-best available free agent, praising his skilled offensive game, particularly against right-handed pitchers. The Mariners' general manager, Justin Hollander, emphasizes the team's focus on roster continuity, aiming to retain as many players from the previous year as possible. With Naylor back, the team may now turn their attention to their remaining free agents, including third baseman Eugenio Suárez and infielder Jorge Polanco.
