First baseman Josh Naylor has officially signed a lucrative five-year, $92.5 million deal with the Seattle Mariners. The contract includes a $6.5 million signing bonus to be paid within 120 days of approval by the commissioner’s office, with annual salaries of $10 million in the upcoming season, $16 million in 2027, $18 million in 2028, $20 million in 2029, and $22 million in 2030. Naylor’s agreement includes a full no-trade clause, granting him the authority to veto any potential trade to another team.
The 28-year-old Canadian, hailing from Mississauga, entered free agency following a successful season in which the Mariners reached the American League Championship Series but fell short against the Toronto Blue Jays in Game 7. The team’s president of baseball operations, Jerry Dipoto, highlighted the significance of retaining Naylor after acquiring him from the Arizona Diamondbacks, emphasizing his qualities as a vital asset to the team’s success.
Dipoto expressed his satisfaction with securing Naylor long-term, praising his intelligence, toughness, and competitive spirit, labeling him as a valuable contributor and a consistent performer. Naylor’s commitment marks the Mariners’ third-largest financial investment, trailing only the contracts of Robinson Cano and Robbie Ray.
Manager Dan Wilson lauded Naylor’s impact both on and off the field during his brief tenure with the team, acknowledging his passion, drive, and winning mentality as crucial elements that uplifted the club’s morale and performance. In his 54-game stint with the Mariners, Naylor boasted impressive statistics, hitting .299 with nine home runs, 33 RBIs, and 19 stolen bases. His postseason performance was equally remarkable, with a .340 batting average, three home runs, five RBIs, and two stolen bases in 12 games.
Reflecting on his decision to recommit to the Mariners, Naylor expressed his enthusiasm and gratitude towards the organization, teammates, and fans for their unwavering support. He praised the passionate fanbase in Seattle, labeling them as the best in baseball, and vowed to continue striving for success and ultimately bring a championship to the city.