He was the deadline spark that helped lift the team to playoff success and gave the front office and team everything they could have asked for. The exact way to start what could be an active offseason for the Mariners.
Deadline fits aren’t always as seamless as this one, and when they are, you find a way to keep them around.
Now, Seattle returns the top four of Randy Arozarena, Cal Raleigh, Julio Rodriguez, and Josh Naylor. A well-balanced and imposing top half of the lineup, which blends power, on-base, and baserunning that will generate plenty of runs.
Bringing Naylor back right now obviously eliminates a hole at first and the need for a middle-of-the-order lefty, but it also helps the Mariners address needs with more certainty. Trying to negotiate with other free agents while also going back and forth with your internal top priority can get messy.
In terms of budget, you have one more piece of information. Another number that helps clarify what is left, and what needs have to be addressed in the coming months. Getting this deal out of the way shifts focus towards addressing Jorge Polanco or other outside additions.
Also, the signing is an indication to other free agents that the Mariners are ready to be aggressive. Players looking to join a contender will not have any reason to believe Seattle is not a destination, although there were not many signs of that previously.