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SEATTLE — 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.
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The person spoke on condition of anonymity because the team has 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 stressed the importance of re-signing Naylor after acquiring him from the Arizona Diamondbacks and called the return of the first baseman a priority.
Manager Dan Wilson praised the impact Naylor has 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 desire to win is incredible as well. And that's what you want 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 hit .295 with 20 home runs, 92 RBIs and a career-high 30 stolen bases.
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