Seattle Mariners’ quiet trade could have big October consequences

The Seattle Mariners were in desperate need of a first baseman who could hit with consistency – and they found one in a trade with the Arizona Diamondbacks. The AL West team acquired Josh Naylor in exchange for prospects Brandyn García and Ashton Izzi.

Naylor has played 93 games for Arizona in 2025, posting a .292 batting average with 102 hits in 349 at-bats. The Canadian slugger has notched 11 home runs and 59 RBIs, along with 37 walks and 49 strikeouts.

Financially, the Mariners will only have Naylor under team control through 2025, as he’s set to become a free agent at the end of the season. Arizona paid him $7.09 million for the first half of the year, while Seattle will cover the remaining $3.8 million. According to Spotrac, Naylor could command a deal worth around $20 million per season in free agency.

In return for the veteran, Arizona received two top prospects from Seattle’s farm system. García, a 25-year-old left-handed pitcher, was ranked No. 13 among Mariners prospects by MLB Pipeline. Izzi, a 21-year-old right-hander, was ranked No. 16.

How Mariners shape up with Naylor in the mix

With Naylor taking over at first base, Donovan Solano is expected to move to the bench. Cal Raleigh, a frontrunner for AL MVP, remains behind the plate. Cole Young holds second base, Ben Williamson is at third, and J.P. Crawford covers shortstop.

The outfield features Randy Arozarena, Julio Rodríguez, and Dominic Cazone. The switch-hitting Jorge Polanco will slot in as designated hitter.

Projected Mariners lineup:

• Catcher: Cal Raleigh
• DH: Jorge Polanco
• 1B: Josh Naylor
• 2B: Cole Young
• SS: J.P. Crawford
• 3B: Ben Williamson
• RF: Dominic Cazone
• CF: Julio Rodríguez
• LF: Randy Arozarena

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