The Seattle Mariners are at a crucial juncture as they approach the offseason, having made significant roster changes at the trade deadline last season that propelled them to the American League Championship Series. The addition of Eugenio Suárez and Josh Naylor proved impactful, although the team ultimately fell to the Toronto Blue Jays in a tough seven-game series.
With both Naylor and Suárez now entering free agency, the Mariners face the pressing challenge of either retaining or replacing their talents. According to predictions from Will Laws and Nick Selbe of Sports Illustrated, retaining Naylor should be the Mariners’ primary focus this winter. Naylor’s performance in 2025 was noteworthy; he adapted his approach for more contact, leading to a career-best wRC+ of 128, despite a drop in home runs from 31 to 20. His increased focus on contact reduced his strikeouts while allowing him to maintain a hard-hit rate consistent with his career averages. Intriguingly, Naylor also surprised many by becoming a formidable base stealer, successfully swiping 30 stolen bases in 32 attempts.
Experts suggest that signing Naylor could require a significant investment, with Jim Bowden of The Athletic forecasting a potential deal worth $90 million. Acquiring such a talent would be a groundbreaking move for the Mariners, who generally avoid making large contracts but may see this as a rare exception, given Naylor’s impact on the team and its fans. His importance to the Mariners’ postseason run was evident, and retaining him could help solidify their competitive efforts in 2026.
As the offseason unfolds, the Mariners have a definitive objective: bring back Josh Naylor and bolster their roster for another attempt at postseason success. With the right moves, the organization could not only enhance its chances for the upcoming season but also restore hope among fans that the team’s championship aspirations are within reach.