Mariners’ Josh Naylor wasn’t joking about dog’s role in him re-signing

Move over, Julio and Ichiro. There’s a new pair of best friends at Seattle Mariners spring training that’s getting all the attention.

Seattle Mariners have an approach to spring training with WBC looming

Usually this time of year, we see the annual social media post of M’s All-Star center fielder Julio Rodríguez and Hall of Famer Ichiro Suzuki playing catch, because it’s always fun to remember that they’re regular throwing partners even though one is a 25-year-old active superstar and the other is a 52-year-old legend now almost seven years removed from his last MLB game.

And true to form, we got that social media post on Tuesday morning, the same day the full Mariners squad reported to spring camp at the team’s complex in Peoria, Ariz.

J-Rod's throwing partner?

It's Ichiro Suzuki 🤩 pic.twitter.com/Oq3Pfpga4P

— MLB (@MLB) February 17, 2026

But that post was beaten by about an hour by a video of a new favorite pairing in camp: first baseman Josh Naylor and the Mariners’ official clubhouse dog, Tucker.

we're pawsitive you’re gonna like this pic.twitter.com/7xg4jQWTkA

— Seattle Mariners (@Mariners) February 17, 2026

Well, they’re still working out the kinks on the whole “shake” thing, but Naylor’s holding up his end of the bargain in the treats department regardless.

You may remember that Naylor, who re-signed with the Mariners on a reported five-year, $92.5 million contract this offseason, actually mentioned Tucker as a reason he decided to stay with Seattle rather than test free agency.

“When I found out we had Tucker, he put me over the edge, man,” Naylor said at a press conference in November. “I love that little guy.”

That's a good boy, Tucker!

Josh Naylor named Tucker, the Mariners' clubhouse dog, as one of the reasons he re-signed with Seattle 🐶

📸: @MarinersPup pic.twitter.com/WVZxcDBp8k

— MLB (@MLB) November 18, 2025

And if there was any doubt about how genuine that comment was, now we know Naylor wasn’t joking.

This isn’t to say Naylor’s friendship with Tucker is the only new pairing making waves at M’s spring training. You also need to consider both Logan Gilbert and Emerson Hancock, who each brought their newborns to a workout Sunday.

The cutest thing you’ll see all day 🥹 pic.twitter.com/TwkwL291Gc

— Seattle Mariners (@Mariners) February 16, 2026

Mariners spring training will pick up steam fast. Their first Cactus League game is Friday at 12:10 p.m. against the San Diego Padres, with the radio broadcast live on Seattle Sports 710 AM and the Seattle Sports app.

More on the Seattle Mariners

• Mariners acquire LHP Josh Simpson from Miami Marlins
• See the Mariners’ spring training TV and radio schedules
• Amid hype, Mariners’ Kade Anderson aims to ‘live in the moment’
• Mariners’ big question now is bullpen, which isn’t the worst thing
• Brendan Donovan already fitting right in with Seattle Mariners

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