The Seattle Mariners have consistently been among the league’s top teams in recent years, but they’ve fallen just short of claiming the very top spot. Their pitching staff has been outstanding, yet the offense has often struggled to keep pace. This year, however, the lineup showed real promise, highlighted by an MVP-worthy performance from Cal Raleigh.
At the trade deadline, the Mariners made major improvements to their offense, moves that ultimately propelled them to an American League West title. They acquired Eugenio Suárez and Josh Naylor in separate deals with the Arizona Diamondbacks. Initially, the Suárez trade drew more attention, but Naylor emerged as one of the team’s key contributors during the final stretch of the season.
But both players are headed for free agency, and the Mariners need to do everything in their power to reunite with at least one of the two.
Josh Naylor’s latest contract update is good news for Mariners
It seems like the Mariners would prioritize Naylor over Suárez. He’s a bit younger and would fit the team long-term a lot better than the aging Suárez.
Jon Heyman of the New York Post recently projected Naylor would sign a four-year, $90 million deal in free agency this winter.
“The RBI machine is a solid lefty bat with great instincts (30 steals as the third-slowest player in the league — even more remarkable than Soto’s NL-leading 38),” Heyman wrote.
Some projections have valued Naylor at more than $100 million, which could pose a challenge for Seattle. However, a four-year contract worth just under $25 million per year would be an ideal fit for the Mariners.
Re-signing Naylor should be Seattle’s top offseason priority. He has the potential to be the franchise’s cornerstone first baseman for years to come and meshes seamlessly with the rest of the team’s top talent in the lineup.
There are bound to be other top suitors for Naylor, including the Boston Red Sox, but Seattle needs to give him the money he wants to bring him back.
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