Naylor Returns to Mariners Amid Surprising Pirates Bid
Josh Naylor officially made his return to the Seattle Mariners on Monday, a decision that will have lasting implications for both him and the team. While the Mariners are undoubtedly pleased to welcome back the talented slugger, the question lingers: was there ever a real chance he would don a different uniform?
Mariners Show Commitment with Big Contract
After a successful half-season with Seattle, Naylor’s value was clear, prompting the Mariners to extend a lucrative five-year, $92.5 million contract. This early signing in the offseason signaled Naylor’s desire to remain in Seattle. Had he chosen to wait for the market to evolve, particularly with high-profile hitters such as Alex Bregman and Pete Alonso still available, he might have received even larger offers.
However, while major contenders like the Boston Red Sox and New York Mets seemed hesitant to enter the bidding for Naylor, an unexpected player emerged from the shadows.
Pirates Make a Push for Naylor
According to ESPN’s Jeff Passan, the Pittsburgh Pirates expressed serious interest in Naylor before his re-signing with the Mariners. Although the specifics of Pittsburgh’s offer remain undisclosed, it was reportedly in the vicinity of $80 million. This figure is particularly notable considering the Pirates’ historical reluctance to spend, with their largest free-agent contract—a mere three-year, $39 million deal for Francisco Liriano—having been inked over a decade ago.
The Pirates have consistently ranked among the lowest in payroll, yet they appeared poised to break the mold by pursuing Naylor with a substantial offer. This marked a potential shift in their strategy, especially as they look to enhance their roster around emerging talent like Paul Skenes, who contributed to a rotation that ranked among the top five in MLB during the latter half of the season.
Seattle’s Victory and the Pirates’ Future Plans
Fortunately for the Mariners, Naylor’s attachment to their organization outweighed the Pirates’ bid. It appears that whatever financial lure Pittsburgh presented was insufficient to change Naylor’s course, suggesting that the Mariners likely did not have to significantly increase their offer to secure him.
Yet, the Pirates’ willingness to invest heavily this offseason could send ripples throughout the league. Rumors are already circulating about Pittsburgh being a possible landing spot for other players like Jorge Polanco, further igniting speculation about their ambition this winter. The availability of Eugenio Suárez also looms large, although Seattle doesn’t seem eager for a reunion.
For now, the only detail that matters to the Mariners is that Naylor has put pen to paper, ensuring his continued presence in their lineup. As the offseason unfolds, it will be intriguing to see if the Pirates will make significant moves that could alter the landscape of baseball. The stage is set, and the winter promises to be a captivating one for fans and players alike.
