Seattle — While most fans are still intoxicated by the “home run” from the Josh Naylor deal, GM Justin Hollander has just revealed internal details that have the entire MLB world looking up: the deal is not simply about paying off a contract — but the result of a long-term plan, careful calculation, and absolute trust in Naylor.
According to Hollander, after Naylor was brought in at the trade deadline, he not only quickly integrated on the field — but also “connected” the entire clubhouse and fan community. That is the reason why the Mariners made keeping Naylor the number 1 priority this offseason.
The GM emphasized: from his ability to hit and defend, his versatility on base, to his upbeat personality, to the way he treats teammates and fans — all of it made Naylor “fit all the boxes”: the right position, the right mentality, and the right culture.
Moreover, when the two sides sat down to negotiate — according to Hollander — Naylor brought “an hour-long presentation” of his personal vision for the Mariners, of what he wanted to contribute to the organization, to the city of Seattle, to the community. “Everyone at the negotiating table agreed: we wanted him to stay, and we were willing to do the hard thing — keep him.”
In 2025, after arriving in Seattle from Arizona, Naylor immediately became a “secret weapon”: in his first 54 games with the Mariners, he posted a .299/.341/.490 slash line, had nine home runs, 33 RBIs, and 19 stolen bases—a rare mix for a first baseman.
In the postseason, Naylor showed even more of his mettle: a .340 AVG, plenty of home runs, and a key contribution to the Mariners’ push toward the World Series.
Hollander admits: with Naylor, the Mariners are not just retaining a slugger—they are retaining a “soul” of the team, a bridge between the stars, between the clubhouse and the field, helping to create the winning culture the team is aiming for.
The five-year, approximately $92.5 million contract with a no-trade clause—according to Hollander—is not simply a financial contract, but a long-term commitment. The Mariners are taking a “big risk,” believing Naylor is the right piece to build a new generation of “Mariners.”
The GM also asserted that with Naylor, they’re not just looking at next season — they’re aiming for years, even the first World Series championship in franchise history. “When you find a player who has it all — skill, mindset, character, vision — you don’t think twice. You keep him,” he said.
This story has intrigued fans and the MLB community because it’s not just a financial deal, but also a game of trust and long-term vision. GM Hollander revealed internal details that show the Mariners aren’t just keeping Naylor for his skill, but for his ability to connect with the clubhouse, influence team culture, and commit to the fan base.
This information helps fans see the decision-making process behind the deal, understand that the team is building a new generation of Mariners, where Naylor becomes a central piece, opening up hopes and questions about the team’s future in the AL West and beyond.
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