What the Mariners said about trade for Josh Naylor

News broke about an hour before the Seattle Mariners’ series opener in Anaheim on Thursday night that they’re getting a new impact bat for their lineup, with the M’s sending a pair of pitching prospects to Arizona in a trade for 2024 All-Star Josh Naylor.

Mariners get All-Star 1B Josh Naylor in trade with D-backs

The 28-year-old Naylor brings a track record of slugging ability and patience at the plate to Seattle, and represents an upgrade at first base for a team that ranks 18th in MLB with a .708 OPS from the position (Naylor has an .807 OPS this season).

How was the trade received in the clubhouse? Here’s what manager Dan Wilson, shortstop J.P. Crawford and center fielder Julio Rodríguez all said to the media following Thursday’s 4-2 win over the Angels.

Mariners react to Josh Naylor trade

Dan Wilson, manager

“It’s exciting. Josh had a huge series against us when we were there (in Arizona in June), so it’s great to have that. I think all of us are really excited to get to see him and get to know him and welcome him into a Mariners uniform.”

Julio Rodríguez, center fielder

“He’s a really good player. There’s no other way around it. … I think what he brings to the table definitely can help the team win and get to where we want to get to. I’m very excited to actually talk to him a little bit more.”

J.P. Crawford, shortstop

“I’m happy we don’t have to face him anymore. … Such a good strike zone discipline and plate discipline, and can hit for power too. Adding him to this lineup is gonna be good, and he can pick it at first too. … Driving in runs, saving runs on defense. The guy does it all so really excited to have him here.”

• Question: What’s the message the Naylor trade sends to the clubhouse?

“Playing in October. Front office is making moves… We’re gonna go out there and win some games.”

More on the Seattle Mariners

• Mariners still eyeing Suárez reunion even after Naylor trade
• Keith Law says Cole Young is Mariners’ best prospect to trade
• M’s prospect Lazaro Montes channels Willie Mays with superb catch
• What 3B being Mariners’ top trade need says about rookie Williamson
• Seattle Mariners minor league games added to ROOT TV schedule

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