Naylor. (File photo, Reuters)
[Sports Center/Comprehensive Report]The 28-year-old star first baseman Josh Naylor signed a five-year contract yesterday to stay with the Seattle Mariners. Today, according to “The Athletic” reporter Ken Rosenthal, the total salary will reach US$92.5 million (approximately NT$2.89 billion).
After last year’s postseason, the Diamondbacks acquired Naylor through a trade while still with the Guardians. This year, he had an OPS+123 in 93 games with the team. However, in the middle of the season, the team traded him to the Mariners again, leaving him with an outstanding performance of 54 games and an OPS+138. He followed the team all the way to the American League Championship Series and fought until the last minute. Unfortunately, they still lost to the Blue Jays in a desperate battle.
Naylor entered the free agent market at the end of the season, but not long after, baseball operations president Jerry Dipoto emphasized that the team would prioritize signing Naylor back. “We have to prioritize ensuring that Josh can stay with the Mariners long-term. Josh’s intelligence, passion for the game, toughness and competitiveness are clearly demonstrated every day. He is a pure winner.”
After observing Naylor coming to the Mariners, head coach Dan Wilson has high expectations for his performance on and off the field. “You just need this kind of passion and motivation in the game. I think his desire to win is unmatched. This is what you hope the players must have, and this is the most important part of what he brings to our team.”
Naylor said he is really excited to return to the Mariners again next year. “From the moment I came here, the people in the organization were very welcoming and helpful to me. The players accepted me and immediately fell in love with the way I played, not to mention these incredible fans. Seattle has the best fans in baseball. They are energetic and continue to support us. I am really grateful to them. I can’t wait to continue to work hard with these guys and help this city win a championship gold cup.”
Naylor left 147 games in the regular season this year, hitting .295/.353/.462, with 20 home runs, 92 RBIs and a career-high 30 stolen bases, with an OPS of +128.
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