Overview
- Both Josh Naylor and Eugenio Suárez will reach free agency five days after the World Series, triggering immediate decisions for Seattle.
- Naylor delivered a short-term surge with roughly an .831 OPS for the Mariners plus a 21-for-21 stolen-base run and strong postseason defense.
- Club leadership has been reported as wanting Naylor back, though the first baseman must also choose whether to return.
- Suárez’s bat cooled after the trade, dropping from an .897 OPS with Arizona to .682 with Seattle, despite a two-homer ALCS game including a grand slam.
- Analysts note payroll and larger roster priorities, with rotation regression and injuries to Logan Gilbert, George Kirby, and Bryce Miller pressing for attention.