The Seattle Mariners made the first major move of the 2025 MLB trade deadline, acquiring first baseman Josh Naylor from the Arizona Diamondbacks. This trade sends a clear message: the Mariners are serious about their postseason run. In return, the Diamondbacks, who are shifting into sell mode, received two promising pitching prospects, Brandyn Garcia and Ashton Izzi. The deal provides Seattle with a much-needed consistent bat and restocks Arizona’s farm system for the future.
A Solution to Seattle’s First Base Problem
The Mariners’ struggles at first base this season have been no secret. The platoon of Luke Raley and Donovan Solano simply wasn’t providing the offensive punch needed for a contending team. Seattle’s front office identified this as a critical weakness, with the team ranking just 18th in MLB in OPS from the first base position.
Enter Josh Naylor. While not a superstar, he is a significant upgrade who brings stability and a professional approach to the plate. His .292 batting average and .360 on-base percentage provide the kind of consistency the Mariners’ lineup has desperately needed. Naylor’s ability to make contact is also a major plus; his 12.4% strikeout rate is now the best among Seattle’s regular players, a welcome addition to a team prone to swinging and missing.
| Player | Batting Average | On-Base Percentage | Home Runs (2025) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Josh Naylor | .292 | .360 | 11 |
| SEA 1B Platoon (Avg) | Below .240 | Below .310 | Combined 9 |
While his 11 home runs don’t jump off the page, Naylor’s overall offensive profile is exactly what Seattle was looking for to lengthen their lineup for a tough stretch run and potential playoff series.
What the Diamondbacks Get in Return
For Arizona, this trade signals a clear pivot toward the future. Sitting at 50-53 and falling out of the wild card race, the front office has decided to become sellers. This deal, which sends Naylor to Seattle just one offseason after acquiring him from Cleveland, helps them rebuild a pitching staff that has been hit hard by injuries and poor performance.
The two prospects they received address different needs and timelines for the organization.
- Brandyn Garcia: A left-handed relief pitcher who just made his MLB debut. Garcia has a high strikeout rate (28.4% in the minors) and could be contributing to the Diamondbacks’ bullpen almost immediately.
- Ashton Izzi: A 21-year-old right-hander with higher upside. Currently in High-A, Izzi has shown flashes of being a future rotation piece, though he is more of a long-term project.
Getting two well-regarded arms for a rental player is a solid return for the D-backs. It allows them to add much-needed depth to their minor league system as they retool for 2026 and beyond.
How Naylor Slots into the Mariners’ Lineup
Manager Scott Servais is expected to insert Josh Naylor directly into the heart of the Seattle lineup. Batting somewhere between Julio Rodriguez and Cal Raleigh, Naylor provides a calming, low-strikeout presence that can protect other hitters.
His patient approach forces opposing pitchers to throw strikes, which could lead to better pitches for the hitters around him. This indirect benefit is often overlooked in trades but can have a major impact on an offense. By solving their most obvious weakness, the Mariners have made their entire lineup more formidable.
Is a Reunion with Eugenio Suarez Next?
The Mariners may not be done dealing with the Diamondbacks. Rumors continue to swirl around third baseman Eugenio Suarez, who played for Seattle in 2022 and 2023. With 36 home runs this season, Suarez is one of the premier power bats available on the trade market.
However, Seattle will face stiff competition. The Yankees, Reds, and Cubs have all reportedly shown interest in acquiring Suarez. After giving up two quality pitching prospects for Naylor, the question is whether the Mariners have the appetite, and the farm system depth, to win a bidding war for Suarez. Arizona’s fire sale appears to be just beginning, with pitchers Zac Gallen and Merrill Kelly also likely to be moved.
