Josh Naylor, Canada’s “Big Slugger,” has officially rejected at least three lucrative trades from other major teams to sign a five-year, $92.5 million contract with the Seattle Mariners! This is a powerful statement: Naylor doesn’t just want to stay – he wants to become a Mariners legend, secure his first baseman position until 2030, and lead the team to the World Series!
According to ESPN, MLB.com, and Jeff Passan, Naylor – who was traded from the Arizona Diamondbacks to the Mariners by the 2025 deadline – received tempting offers from several major teams in the offseason free agency. Rumors suggested offers of over $100-120 million from franchises like the Yankees, Dodgers, and Mets, promising a superstar lineup and the chance to win a championship immediately. But Naylor said “NO”! He chose the Mariners – the team that transformed him from a “stranger” into a “hero” in just 54 games – with an AAV of only $18.5 million per year, complete with a full no-trade clause and a $6.5 million signing bonus. This was the biggest player contract in Mariners history under Jerry Dipoto!
“Seattle is home,” Naylor shared in the official press conference at T-Mobile Park. “I felt the love from the fans, from my teammates, from our clubhouse dog Tucker from day one. We made it to the ALCS last year, and I want to fulfill my World Series dream right here. It’s not about money – it’s about belonging. Mariners is where I belong forever!”
Naylor’s journey with the Mariners was a fairytale in the middle of the 2025 season: Trade deadline, he arrived in Seattle, and immediately exploded with .299 AVG, 9 HR, 33 RBI, and 19 SB in just half a season. With an OPS of 138, his power and speed made him the perfect fit for the Mariners’ lineup. He led the team to their first AL West championship since 2001, then shot .417 with 3 HRs in the ALCS (though they lost to the Toronto Blue Jays in Game 7). Mariners fans called him the new “Big Dump”—powerful, clutch, and incredibly dedicated. The cleats he gave to children, his hustle, and his friendly smile won over the entire rainy city!
His rejection of other “mega” contracts stunned the MLB world. Many experts predicted Naylor would receive a 4-5 year contract worth over $100 million from a larger team, but he chose the Mariners—a team once considered “poor” in terms of long-term free agents. Dipoto and GM Justin Hollander have made history: This is the most lucrative player contract since Dipoto took office in 2015. With Naylor locked down, the Mariners now have a fearsome offensive core: Julio Rodríguez, Cal Raleigh, Randy Arozarena, and “The King” Naylor at first base. The payroll still has $30-35 million to add pitching!
Mariners fans are going crazy on social media: “Naylor turned down money to stay? This is true love!”, “From trade deadline to ‘forever Mariners’ – the most beautiful offseason story!”, “World Series 2026-2030, who dares stop the Mariners now?”. T-Mobile Park is about to explode with new jersey numbers, the “Naylor 22” jersey is selling like hotcakes!
This isn’t just a contract – this is a historic commitment. Josh Naylor, the boy from Mississauga, Ontario, who was traded to the Marlins, Padres, Guardians, and D-backs, has now officially become a “Mariner forever.” He brings power (20+ HR/year), speed (30 SB career-high 2025), and a warrior heart. The Mariners are no longer a “potential team” – they are true championship contenders!
Stay close: Full press conference, reactions from Naylor, Dipoto, and fans will be updated continuously. Emerald City is celebrating – because “Naylor stays forever” is the biggest good news of early 2026!
Mariners Nation, shout out: Josh Naylor is ours! 💙🔱
