Seattle Mariners nears major long-term deal with one of their star prospects

Seattle Mariners appear poised to make one of the offseason’s earliest major moves, as the franchise closes in on a long-term contract agreement with standout first baseman Josh Naylor. With MLB free agency now underway, the organization is moving swiftly to secure one of its most impactful midseason additions before he hits the open market. ESPN’s Jeff Passan first reported that the Mariners are “finalizing a deal” to keep Naylor in Seattle for the next five years.

Seattle Mariners lock in a fan-favorite slugger

Josh Naylor’s arrival in Seattle instantly energized the fanbase. Acquired from the Arizona Diamondbacks, the 28-year-old quickly became known for his fiery play style and formidable power at the plate. Despite joining the team midseason, Naylor made an immediate mark and signaled his long-term value to a Mariners roster aiming to establish sustained success.

Although financial terms of the extension have not yet been released, reports indicate that details will surface soon, with the deal set to become official pending Naylor’s physical. His eligibility for a qualifying offer was nullified due to his midseason trade, ensuring the Seattle Mariners' front office had a clear path to negotiate directly.

Naylor’s breakout season fuels extension push

The 2024 campaign served as one of the most productive of Naylor’s career. Between his time with the Diamondbacks and Mariners, he played 147 games, hitting 20 home runs and driving in 92 RBIs. His performance earned him a well-deserved All-Star nod, further validating Seattle’s belief in his long-term potential.

In just 54 games with the Mariners, Naylor belted nine home runs, continuing to showcase the power that has made him one of MLB’s most dangerous first basemen. Over the course of 745 career games, he has tallied 104 home runs and maintained a .269 batting average—numbers that align with the expectations of a cornerstone offensive presence.

Early estimates suggest the deal may fall between $75–90 million, positioning Naylor among the league’s highest-paid first basemen. While he may not yet occupy the financial tier of stars like Freddie Freeman, Matt Olson, or Bryce Harper, his upward trajectory and consistent production make him a worthy long-term investment for Seattle.

A clear step in Seattle’s long-term plan

As the Seattle Mariners sharpen their competitive identity, locking in a dependable and crowd-energizing slugger like Josh Naylor represents a significant building block. With the contract nearing completion, Seattle ensures stability at first base and sends a strong early message about its intent during the 2024-25 offseason.