We have our first significant deal a week before Major League Baseball’s July 31 trade deadline, with the Arizona Diamondbacks sending first baseman Josh Naylor to the Seattle Mariners, the teams announced Thursday night.
The Diamondbacks are receiving rookie lefty Brandyn Garcia and pitching prospect Ashton Izzi in the deal.
Naylor is slashing .292/.360/.447 this season, with 11 home runs, 59 RBIs and 11 stolen bases. The Diamondbacks had acquired Naylor in an offseason trade with the Guardians, with the slugger coming off a 31-homer, 108-RBI campaign in Cleveland. Naylor, 28, is a free agent at the end of the season, making him a rental for Seattle.
Here’s a breakdown of the deal:
Josh Naylor trade grades
Seattle Mariners: A-
The Mariners were in desperate need of a corner bat and Naylor should immediately become the starting first baseman, pushing Luke Raley back to the outfield. Seattle’s first basemen have combined to hit just .233 this season and Naylor slots nicely into the lineup, giving some legitimate protection to Julio Rodriguez, Cal Raleigh and Randy Arozarena.
If things go well over the next few months, perhaps Seattle considers signing Naylor to a multi-year deal come free agency.
Arizona Diamondbacks: B
The Diamondbacks landed two of the top 20 players in Seattle’s farm system in Garcia (No. 13) and Izzi (No. 16). Garcia is a big-league ready arm who has pitched in relief this year, and the Diamondbacks will have to decide whether they see him as a starter or reliever in the long term.
Josh Naylor trade details
Seattle Mariners receive
1B Josh Naylor
Arizona Diamondbacks receive
LHP Brayden Garcia
RHP Ashton Izzi
Josh Naylor contract
Josh Naylor is making $10.9 million in 2025 and is a free agent at the end of the season.