First baseman Josh Naylor ends 5-year contract with Seattle Mariners, AP source says

First baseman Josh Naylor ends 5-year contract with Seattle Mariners, AP source says
First baseman Josh Naylor ends 5-year contract with Seattle Mariners, AP source says

SEATTLE (AP) — First baseman Josh Naylor and the Seattle Mariners are finalizing a five-year contract, a person with knowledge of the deal told The Associated Press on Sunday.

The person spoke on condition of anonymity because the team had not announced the contract. ESPN was the first to report the deal.

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Naylor, 28, became a free agent for the first time shortly after the Mariners lost to the Toronto Blue Jays in Game 7 of the American League Championship Series. Shortly after Seattle’s season ended, president of baseball operations Jerry Dipoto emphasized the importance of re-signing Naylor after acquiring him from the Arizona Diamondbacks and called bringing back the first baseman a priority.

Manager Dan Wilson praised the impact Naylor had on the Mariners both on and off the field during his three months with the franchise.

“You need that intensity. You need that drive,” Wilson said. “I think his drive to win is incredible, too. And that’s what you’re going to need from all your guys, and that’s a big part of what he brought to this club.”

In 54 games with the Mariners, Naylor hit .299 with nine home runs, 33 RBIs and 19 stolen bases. In 12 postseason games, Naylor hit .340 with three home runs, five RBIs and two stolen bases.

For the entire season, Naylor batted .295 with 20 home runs, 92 RBIs, and a career-high 30 stolen bases.

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AP MLB: https://apnews.com/hub/mlb

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