Josh Naylor Faces Uncertain Free Agency as Mariners Hope to Re-Sign Him

SEATTLE, Wash. — Fans of the Seattle Mariners are buzzing about the future of first baseman Josh Naylor as he heads into free agency this offseason. After a successful trade from the Cleveland Guardians at the deadline, Naylor solidified the Mariners’ lineup, contributing not only at first base but also showcasing unexpected speed with 19 stolen bases in just 51 games.

As Naylor prepares to enter the open market, he hopes to secure a lucrative deal at 29 years old, making him a highly sought-after player. Ryan Divish, a Mariners insider writing for the Seattle Times, discussed the team’s intentions to prioritize re-signing Naylor. “The Mariners aren’t the only team in need of a first baseman. But they might have the most motivation and money to sign Naylor,” Divish noted.

However, securing Naylor’s re-signing is not guaranteed. Divish quoted a former MLB executive who warned that other teams might complicate the situation. “There’s always that one unexpected team that comes in and causes issues,” the executive stated. “You think you have the market figured out, and then everything changes.”

A few potential competitors for Naylor’s services include the New York Mets, who will first need to decide whether to retain star first baseman Pete Alonso, the Boston Red Sox, who may favor a right-handed hitter, and the Texas Rangers, who might struggle with budget constraints.

Tim Britton from The Athletic projected that Naylor could command a four-year deal worth around $92 million. This figure would fit within the Mariners’ estimated offseason budget of approximately $30 million.

As the free agency period unfolds, fans will experience a rollercoaster of emotions regarding Naylor’s future. While there may be moments that suggest he’s poised to leave Seattle, other scenarios indicate he could remain. For now, Seahawks supporters keenly feel the stakes, knowing that losing Naylor would be a significant setback for the team.