Mariners finalizing deal that would keep Naylor in Seattle for five years

American League Championship Series - Seattle Mariners v Toronto Blue Jays - Game One TORONTO, ONTARIO - OCTOBER 12: Josh Naylor #12 of the Seattle Mariners acknowledges the crowd before game one of the American League Championship Series against the Toronto Blue Jays at Rogers Centre on October 12, 2025 in Toronto, Ontario. (Photo by Mark Blinch/Getty Images) (Mark Blinch/Getty Images)

By Tera Watson

SEATTLE — First baseman Josh Naylor is finalizing a five-year contract with the Seattle Mariners, according to ESPN’s Jeff Passan.

This marks the first big free-agent signing of the offseason.

Mariners President of Baseball Operations Jerry Dipoto made it clear at the end of the season that the team intended to re-sign Naylor.

Naylor was signed as a free agent by the Mariners last season from the Arizona Diamondbacks, right before the trade deadline cutoff.

After joining Seattle, Naylor played a key role in helping push the team to the postseason. He finished with 32 runs, 58 hits, a .341 on-base percentage and 19 stolen bases during his time with the Mariners.