First baseman Josh Naylor and the Seattle Mariners have solidified a lucrative five-year contract worth $92.5 million. The agreement includes a $6.5 million signing bonus, to be paid within 120 days of approval by the commissioner’s office, and escalating salaries of $10 million for the upcoming season, followed by $16 million in 2027, $18 million in 2028, $20 million in 2029, and $22 million in 2030.
Naylor’s contract features a full no-trade clause, granting him the right to veto any potential trades to other teams. The 28-year-old, hailing from Mississauga, Ont., entered free agency after the Mariners’ loss to the Toronto Blue Jays in the American League Championship Series. Following the conclusion of Seattle’s season, president of baseball operations Jerry Dipoto emphasized the significance of retaining Naylor, whom they had acquired from the Arizona Diamondbacks.
Expressing his commitment to keeping Naylor with the team long-term, Dipoto praised the player’s attributes, stating, “Josh’s intelligence, intensity, toughness, and competitiveness are evident in his daily performance. He embodies a winning spirit.” The Mariners’ investment in Naylor marks the third-largest contract in the franchise’s history, trailing only the deals for second baseman Robinson Cano and pitcher Robbie Ray.
Manager Dan Wilson lauded Naylor’s impact on and off the field during his brief tenure with the Mariners, highlighting his intensity and drive for success. Naylor’s impressive statistics from his time with the team include a .299 batting average, nine home runs, 33 RBIs, and 19 stolen bases in 54 regular-season games. In the postseason, he maintained a .340 batting average with three home runs, five RBIs, and two stolen bases across 12 games.
Expressing his enthusiasm for the future with the Mariners, Naylor shared, “I’m thrilled to be a part of this organization once again. The support from everyone, including the players, fans, and staff, has been incredible. Seattle truly has the best fanbase in baseball, and I am grateful for their unwavering support. I look forward to continuing to play alongside my teammates and striving to bring a championship to the city.”