Seattle, Washington – The Mariners have secured a notable addition ahead of the trade deadline, acquiring Josh Naylor from the Arizona Diamondbacks in a significant move announced Thursday night.

As part of the deal, Arizona will receive minor league pitchers Ashton Izzi and Brandyn Garcia. Naylor, who has proven to be a reliable first baseman, enhances Seattle’s infield as the team strives for a wild-card spot in the American League.

With the trade deadline set for next Thursday at 6 p.m. ET, this transaction marks a pivotal moment in the season, reflecting Arizona’s expected position as sellers in the market. Recent reports indicated that the Diamondbacks were open to trading some veterans, leading to speculation about potential moves involving their experienced players.

Naylor, who is currently playing on a one-year contract, has performed well this season with a batting average of .292 and 11 home runs over 93 games. The trade renders him ineligible for a qualifying offer as he heads toward free agency this offseason, solidifying his shift from the Diamondbacks to the Mariners.

The Diamondbacks are currently struggling near the bottom of the National League West standings. In a recent radio interview, Arizona’s president and CEO, Derrick Hall, spoke of the team’s need to take responsible steps to enhance its future, hinting that more trades could be on the horizon.

Seattle aims to strengthen its lineup as it looks to close the gap on the Houston Astros, who currently lead the AL West by six games. The Mariners are actively competing for a playoff position, and adding Naylor bolsters their efforts to make a serious postseason push.

The Diamondbacks have reportedly been assessing various minor league systems, suggesting ongoing deliberations about future trades involving veteran players. This trade may indicate a shift in their strategy as they look to build a stronger roster for the coming seasons.

As the deadline approaches, both teams appear to be aligning themselves with their intentions—Seattle seeking to fortify its playoff chances and Arizona transitioning into a rebuilding phase.