Mariners Acquire Josh Naylor in Pre-Deadline Trade with Diamondbacks
Seattle, WA & Phoenix, AZ – Major League Baseball witnessed its first significant trade of the pre-deadline flurry Thursday night, as the Arizona Diamondbacks sent first baseman Josh Naylor to the Seattle Mariners. In exchange, the Diamondbacks received rookie left-handed pitcher Brandyn Garcia and pitching prospect Ashton Izzi. The deal, announced late Thursday, immediately reshapes both teams’ playoff aspirations and farm systems.
Naylor, a 28-year-old free agent at season’s end, brings a potent bat to Seattle. He’s currently slashing .292/.360/.447 with 11 home runs, 59 RBIs, and 11 stolen bases. This production builds on his impressive 2022 season with the Cleveland Guardians, where he hit 31 home runs and drove in 108 runs. For Seattle, this acquisition addresses a critical need for offensive production at first base, a position that has struggled mightily this year, posting a collective .233 batting average.
The Mariners’ acquisition of Naylor is widely considered a shrewd move. He immediately upgrades their first base position, pushing Luke Raley back to the outfield. More importantly, Naylor provides much-needed protection in the lineup for stars like Julio Rodríguez, Cal Raleigh, and Randy Arozarena. Analysts are giving the Mariners an A- grade for the trade, citing the immediate impact Naylor will have on their playoff chances. Depending on his performance over the next few months, the Mariners may even consider offering Naylor a multi-year contract in free agency.
For the Diamondbacks, the trade represents a strategic shift. They received two highly-rated prospects in Garcia and Izzi, ranked 13th and 16th respectively in Seattle’s farm system. Garcia, a big-league-ready arm, offers immediate bullpen depth and the potential for a future starting role. Izzi, a promising pitching prospect, adds further depth to their minor league system. The Diamondbacks are receiving a B grade for this deal, acknowledging the value of the prospects acquired while also recognizing the loss of a productive hitter.
The trade marks the beginning of what is expected to be a busy period before the July 31st trade deadline. The Diamondbacks’ willingness to move Naylor, acquired just this offseason, suggests further moves are possible, with third baseman Eugenio Suárez potentially being the next player on the move. The deal sets the stage for a flurry of activity as teams across the league look to strengthen their rosters for the postseason push.
