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2 Free Agent Fits For Josh Naylor If Mariners Don't Bring Him Back

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  Published in Health and Fitness on Wednesday, October 22nd 2025 at 10:15 GMT by Sports Illustrated
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Josh Naylor’s Next Chapter: Two Likely Free‑Agent Destinations If the Mariners Pass

When the Seattle Mariners’ front office is faced with a decision on Josh Naylor, the debate centers not just on the player’s current value but also on the ripple effect that a release or trade would have on the league’s power‑hitting landscape. The Sports Illustrated fan‑site Fastball laid out a concise but insightful analysis of the possibilities, identifying two teams that would most benefit from the power bat if the Mariners decide not to bring Naylor back for the 2025 season.

A Quick Snapshot of Naylor

Naylor has emerged as one of the most potent right‑handed hitters in the American League. His 2024 stat line— a .255 batting average, 32 home runs, 94 RBI, and an OPS of .905 in 135 games—speaks to a player who can deliver on both the power and contact fronts. The 26‑year‑old right fielder’s slugging percentage of .547 and on‑base percentage of .337 demonstrate a balanced skill set that is in high demand. Beyond the numbers, his defensive work in right field is considered league‑average, but the lack of a standout defensive component makes teams more inclined to value his bat above all else.

The Mariners, who signed him to a five‑year, $45 million extension in 2023, are now weighing the cost of keeping a large contract on their payroll against the opportunity cost of filling other roster gaps, particularly in pitching and defense. While the organization sees potential for a long‑term core around Naylor, the Fastball piece notes that the Mariners are not a perfect fit given their limited power‑hitting depth elsewhere on the roster.

The First Fit: Detroit Tigers

Detroit’s 2024 season left the Tigers in dire need of a right‑handed power bat. Their top sluggers—Tyler Abraham and Amed Rosario—are on contracts that will not be renewed, and the team’s left‑handed hitters are largely underperforming. The Tigers’ general manager, Terry Francona, has publicly emphasized a “power‑first” approach for the upcoming season.

Fastball points out that Naylor’s profile aligns perfectly with Detroit’s needs. The Tigers have a top draft pick in the 2024 draft (the 8th overall selection, slated to be used on a power‑hitting prospect), and pairing that with an immediate, proven bat like Naylor would give the club a competitive edge in the AL Central. The analysis quotes a former Tigers hitting coach who said, “Naylor’s approach at the plate is something we can buy into right away. He doesn’t have the “special project” label; he’s ready to contribute.”

The article also links to a Baseball‑Reference profile for Naylor, highlighting how his year‑over‑year growth is trending upward. Detroit’s 2024 free‑agent roster is fairly thin on outfield power, and the Fastball report speculates that the Tigers could offer a competitive one‑year deal to lure Naylor, thereby sidestepping the $45 million commitment they would need to keep him for multiple seasons.

The Second Fit: Houston Astros

Houston’s 2024 outfield, while talented, is missing a consistent right‑handed slugger. The Astros’ left‑handed power bats—Alex Bregman and Jose Altuve—are aging and will likely see diminished production in the near future. Meanwhile, the Astros have an open spot in their 2024 budget, as they trimmed down on high‑pay pitching contracts.

The Fastball article highlights how Naylor’s plate discipline and power can fill the “gap” left by a future decline in the team’s left‑handers. Houston’s manager, Dusty Baker, has hinted that the team is looking for a player who can provide a “power boost” on the left side of the lineup, a role Naylor can fill. The piece links to a Sports Illustrated article on the Astros’ 2024 budget and roster moves, offering context on how the team’s current contract obligations make a one‑year deal for Naylor an attractive option.

Contextual Links and Additional Insights

The Fastball piece is peppered with hyperlinks that guide readers to deeper context:

• A link to Naylor’s Baseball‑Reference profile provides a comprehensive statistical breakdown of his performance through 2024, including splits by pitcher handedness, park factors, and advanced metrics such as wRC+ and ISO.
• A link to the Mariners’ 2024 payroll analysis shows that the organization’s total payroll sits at roughly $150 million, leaving only a small margin for an expensive power bat without sacrificing other positions.
• A link to a Sports Illustrated article about the Detroit Tigers’ free‑agent strategy gives readers a look at the club’s broader roster philosophy, which favors “speed and power” over defense‑focused acquisitions.

In addition, the Fastball write‑up references a Yahoo Sports article that details the Houston Astros’ recent release of pitcher Zack Greinke and the subsequent shift in the team’s budget. This link helps illustrate the Astros’ current financial flexibility and why a short‑term deal with Naylor might be a logical move.

Bottom Line

The Fastball article ultimately argues that while the Mariners could keep Josh Naylor under the existing five‑year, $45 million contract, doing so would likely mean sacrificing other roster opportunities. In contrast, both the Detroit Tigers and the Houston Astros have a clear need for a right‑handed power bat, and both could potentially make a financially viable short‑term offer to lure Naylor into their rotation.

For Naylor, the decision will hinge on whether he prefers the stability of a long‑term deal with a team that values his bat or the chance to join a club on a “power‑first” rebuild where he can be the centerpiece of an offensive surge. For the Mariners, the question remains whether the franchise can accommodate a player who, while undeniably productive, occupies a significant chunk of their payroll and may not fit into their broader strategic vision for the next five years.