Josh Naylor just keeps upping his Mariners price tag with his postseason heroics

At this point, it's a commonly held opinion that the move to bring Josh Naylor to Seattle was one of the best of this year's deadline. He posted a 138 OPS+ while stealing 19 bases in the 54 games he played and so far, that success has carried over into the postseason in a big way.

In addition to batting .290 in the playoffs, he has come up big in key moments in so many different ways. Whether it's a simple single or home run, Josh Naylor has delivered what the Mariners have needed time and time again this October.

First basemen aren't typically known for their defensive displays but a double play in ALDS Game 4 was just one of the great plays he has made so far during this playoff run.

And of course, his baserunning abilities continue to dazzle audiences even as one of the slowest players in MLB.

The way things are going, he seems like the unstoppable force that will continue to drive this Mariners team until the wheels fall off. But what could this mean for his impending free agency?

Josh Naylor's impressive postseason play will only drive up his asking price in the offseason

While the Mariners were still in hot pursuit of their first division title in 24 years, there was already some speculation as to how much they would have to pay to keep Naylor around for the long haul. Though he had already exceeded expectations, most were still conservative about what his earning potential was on the free market. Estimates ranged from $50-100 million, a very affordable range when compared to the colossal contracts of recent years.

Even in that range, the Mariners would've been hard-pressed to compete financially. They've shown a willingness to spend on players like Julio Rodríguez and Cal Raleigh, but both were homegrown talents who spent years in Seattle's system before breaking out. Players that carry more injury risk (like starting pitchers) or those that haven't built enough of a sample are rarely deemed safe enough investments for the Mariners' risk appetite.

But with his current momentum, Naylor's market price could be nearing all-time highs, especially since there's a lack of other quality first baseman on the market. In fact, other than Pete Alonso, Naylor is the most promising option at the position.

Things are going incredibly well for the organization and with the team getting a 2-0 lead over the Blue Jays in the ALCS, there's a solid chance that the Mariners have found a recipe for success with this current squad. If a key player like Josh Naylor is lost to a higher bidder simply due to frugality, the front office risks losing all of the goodwill they've accumulated this season. Talent doesn't come cheap and if Seattle wants to keep a tradition of winning baseball, they have to be prepared to pay for it.