Josh Naylor is the type of player who remains exclusively focused during games, to the point that he hardly acknowledges his brother Bo after reaching first base in a recent match in Cleveland.
It’s a characteristic of his playing style and dedication that has endeared him to Mariners fans since joining the team in a trade from the Arizona Diamondbacks on July 24. A sign in the stands reading “Sign Naylor Now” reflects the growing enthusiasm among fans after his impactful performances, including a game-winning double and a solo homer.
When asked if he noticed the sign, Naylor replied, “No, I didn’t. I don’t really look around at the crowd like that during the game. I’m kind of just locked in on the moment. But that’s super cool. The fans here are awesome.” Each game he plays reinforces the idea that keeping Naylor within the organization makes increasing sense.
First Base Needs
Looking ahead to next season, the Mariners may consider Luke Raley for first base, or possibly Jorge Polanco, should he opt in. Nonetheless, recent discussions indicate he might explore free agency. The Mariners are not convinced Tyler Locklear is their long-term solution, which led to his trade to the Diamondbacks.
The organization lacks a ready prospect at first base in its farm system. Scouts have raised the possibility of converting Lazaro Montes to first base, but any transition this offseason wouldn’t yield immediate results. Thus, acquiring Naylor serves as a temporary fix that could evolve into a lasting solution.
Ideal Match
Naylor’s balanced hitting style, characterized by a patient approach and low strikeout rate, fits well within a lineup that sometimes struggles with excessive swing-and-miss. “He’s tough…a complete hitter in many ways. He finds barrels,” commented Wilson.
While the Mariners expected a solid player with high baseball intelligence and competitive spirit, they’ve been pleasantly surprised by Naylor’s seamless integration into the clubhouse. His focus and leadership qualities resonate well within the team environment.
Naylor’s Affinity for Seattle
Recently, in a postgame interview, Naylor expressed his fondness for hitting at T-Mobile Park, noting it as a fantastic venue. With impressive statistics, such as a .379 batting average at T-Mobile this season, he’s clearly comfortable in Seattle. “Every time I was an opponent, this is the first place I couldn’t wait to come to,” Naylor reflected.
Despite not seeing the sign, he feels the genuine enthusiasm from fans, saying, “The fans get so excited here. Sometimes you can’t hear your own thoughts because it’s so loud. That’s what you want; I’m very grateful for this fan base.” While signing Naylor is complicated by his upcoming free agency, it’s a prospect that could yield significant results if pursued.
