Drayer: What Mariners’ reported Josh Naylor re-signing means

If the abrupt ending of the Seattle Mariners’ season in Toronto followed by Cal Raleigh getting edged out of the MVP award by Aaron Judge seemed perhaps just too much for an M’s fan to endure, well turn that frown upside down.

Reports: Mariners finalizing deal with first baseman Josh Naylor

ESPN’s Jeff Passan broke the news Sunday night that the Mariners and Josh Naylor are in agreement on a five-year deal. What general manager Justin Hollander called priority No. 1 is about to be crossed off the Mariners’ offseason to-do list.

For many fans, re-signing Naylor was a must – and with good reason with the fit seemingly perfect, both on and off the field. The fifth year in the deal may be a surprise, with most projections topping out at four years for the 28-year-old first baseman. Hollander indicated on MLB Network Radio last week, however, that the Mariners were prepared to get uncomfortable in the signing of free agent(s). It would appear they have gone above and beyond with Naylor.

While we don’t have the financial terms as of yet, it is safe to say it will far eclipse the two-year, $24 million contract with Mitch Garver, which was the largest free-agent contract given out to a position player by the Mariners since president of baseball operations Jerry Dipoto joined the team as GM in 2015. What it should signify is an affirmation in the plan Hollander and Dipoto believe is the right course of action in building off of 2025 by keeping the band together to take the next step forward.

Big picture, signing Naylor brings back an instrumental piece of the successful post-trade deadline run to the Mariners’ first ALCS appearance since 2001. It also solidifies a position they have had trouble filling, and one where they had no in-house, long-term answers. It is worth noting Naylor brings stability both in his play at first base and his leadership to an infield that will see multiple prospects debut or continue to develop in the next few years.

In the immediate, it gets the Mariners off the blocks and out in front of an important offseason. They can turn their attention to filling other needs, and perhaps this will give them the freedom to extend themselves in another area. There are moves beyond bringing back the familiar faces to be made.

It will no doubt be a good deal for Naylor, but it speaks to the health of and belief in the Mariners clubhouse that he wasted little time in re-upping with the team. And to that end, they will start spring training – and the season, for that matter – in a very different place. A giant step in building off of what they accomplished last season.

More on the Seattle Mariners

• Mariners 3B coach Negron joining Pirates staff, per reports
• Was East Coast bias why Cal Raleigh didn’t win MVP?
• Mariners bullpen coach Arnerich joins Guardians staff
• Mariners match league high with four All-MLB selections
• Seattle Mariners’ Cal Raleigh finishes second in razor-tight MVP race

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