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The Seattle Mariners are coming into the 2025 season with infield question marks. Opening Day starter Ty France regressed in 2024, got waived, and was then traded to Cincinnati for minor-league catcher Andruw Salcendo. Luke Raley registered 3.2 bWAR last season, but he was a defensive liability at first base and is better suited for an outfield role or as the Mariners' designated hitter.
Since the trade deadline, the first base position has been a topic of conversation since France was designated last summer. Justin Turner played in 31 games at first base last year, but the 16-year veteran turned 40 last month. Waiting in the wings is top-10 prospect Tyler Locklear, but he is unproven at the MLB level.
It's obvious that the Mariners probably have to address the position in a different manner this offseason, and some options were already floated, such as Pete Alonso and Christian Walker (who will be expensive) as well as Paul Goldschmidt and Carlos Santana (who will be better fits as cost-effective one-year options).
The search has now apparently expanded, as the Mariners are reportedly interested in Cleveland Guardians' first baseman Josh Naylor via trade.
Sources: Josh Naylor has been mentioned in trade talks between the Guardians and Mariners. He’s one of multiple names under consideration by the Mariners for an offensive upgrade at 1B.@MLBNetwork @SeattleSports
— Jon Morosi (@jonmorosi) December 19, 2024
Mariners Trade Rumors: Josh Naylor emerges as candidate to fill first base
Naylor has developed into a solid bat for the Guardians since he arrived in a trade from the San Diego Padres in 2020. In the last three seasons, Naylor batted .267/.330/.465 with a 123 OPS+. Last season saw Naylor reach career highs in home runs (31) and RBIs (108) on his way to his first career All-Star selection.
Defensively, Naylor at first base is a bit of a concern, even though he has more innings at that position than Raley. Here is a comparison of both Naylor and Raley using defensive runs saved (DRS), outs above average (OAA), range runs (RngR), and ultimate zone rating (UZR) from FanGraphs.
Naylor (1205 inn.) | Raley (275 inn.) | |
|---|---|---|
DRS | -6 | 1 |
OAA | 1 | -3 |
RngR | 0.6 | -1.9 |
UZR | 0.9 | -1.4 |
That said ... he a massive offensive upgrade, and that's what the Mariners need after a really bad showing on that side of the ball in 2024.
It's unknown how much interest Cleveland has in trading Naylor. Guardians President of Baseball Operations Chris Antonetti listed Naylor as "an anchor on our team in 2025" following the conclusion of the ALCS. However, Naylor is a free agent after next season, so the Guardians might listen to teams who need a first baseman like the Mariners if they decide to move on from the 2024 All-Star.
A trade for Naylor addresses an immediate need for next season, but the vital question is how much Dipoto would be willing to offer Cleveland. Given how much Naylor contributed to the Guardians' the last few years, it might be more than the Mariners are comfortable with.