The Seattle Mariners are in a strong position to compete for a playoff spot this season, but to make a serious run in the postseason, they could use another powerful bat in their lineup.
That’s where Josh Naylor from the Arizona Diamondbacks comes into play. If the Mariners want to avoid giving up top prospects for Eugenio Suarez, Naylor could be a more affordable alternative.
Naylor’s Potential Trade to the Mariners
Josh Naylor, a 250-pound first baseman, is currently in his first season with the Diamondbacks, after leaving the Cleveland Guardians. Naylor was known for his clutch performances in the postseason with the Guardians.
Now, with an expiring contract, he is expected to be traded, and ESPN’s David Schoenfield predicts that the Mariners could land him before the trade deadline.
Why Naylor Makes Sense for the Mariners
Schoenfield believes that Naylor could be a cost-effective option compared to Suarez, as he will likely come at a lower price. “Naylor is another of Arizona’s pending free agents and he’ll cost a lot less than Suarez,” Schoenfield said.
He also suggested that the Mariners could potentially acquire both Naylor and Suarez, but even if that doesn’t happen, Naylor would still be a solid addition for the team.
Mariners’ Lineup Needs
The Mariners currently rank in the bottom 10 in the majors for strikeout rate, making Naylor a good fit with his contact hitting skills. Schoenfield also mentioned that if the Mariners acquire Naylor, they could shift Luke Raley to right field or use him in a bench role.
Additionally, the Mariners may still need bullpen depth and a right-handed bat to upgrade over Dylan Moore or Donovan Solano, but Naylor would still provide a big boost to the team’s offense.
Mariners’ Playoff Push
The Mariners are in a position to go all-in this season. With a competitive rotation, they just need to make a lineup move to ensure Cal Raleigh’s historic season doesn’t go to waste. Adding Naylor could play a significant role in helping the team make the playoffs and possibly go further.
