What's Happening?
Josh Naylor, a first baseman, has agreed to a five-year contract to return to the Seattle Mariners, as confirmed by The Post's Jon Heyman. Naylor, who was acquired from the Diamondbacks at the trade deadline,
had a strong performance with an .831 OPS, nine homers, and 19 steals in 54 games, batting .299. His overall season included 20 homers and 92 RBIs, contributing significantly to the Mariners' success in winning the AL West and reaching Game 7 of the ALCS. Naylor's re-signing removes a potential fallback option for the New York Mets, who are considering their options if they fail to re-sign Pete Alonso. Naylor's presence provides the Mariners with a powerful bat alongside catcher Cal Raleigh, as they aim to build on their recent achievements.
Why It's Important?
Naylor's re-signing with the Mariners is a pivotal move in the MLB offseason, affecting the Mets' strategy regarding Pete Alonso. With Naylor off the market, the Mets lose a potential alternative should Alonso not return. This decision underscores the competitive nature of the offseason, where teams are actively securing key players to enhance their rosters. For the Mariners, retaining Naylor strengthens their lineup and positions them as contenders in the upcoming season. The Mets must now explore other options, such as Cody Bellinger or Japanese infielder Munetaka Murakami, to fill the potential void left by Alonso.
What's Next?
The Mets will need to reassess their strategy for retaining Alonso or finding a suitable replacement. With Naylor unavailable, the Mets might intensify negotiations with Alonso or explore other free agents. The Mariners, having secured Naylor, will focus on building a competitive team around their key players. The outcome of these moves will influence the dynamics of the MLB offseason and the competitive landscape for the next season.
