Mariners’ Josh Naylor reveals his hope for free agency destination originally appeared on The Sporting News.
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This was always going to be looming.

The Seattle Mariners knew that when they traded for Josh Naylor before the MLB trade deadline, he was on an expiring contract. That’s why the Arizona Diamondbacks were OK with moving him in the first place.

Now, a few months later, it’s clear the Mariners can’t let Naylor go.

And for Naylor’s part, he wants to stay.

“I love playing there,” Naylor told The Seattle Times after a win in Game 2 of the ALCS. “I’ve gotten so many compliments from friends who have watched me play or ex-teammates I’ve played with … on how awesome it is in Seattle and how cool the fan base is and it’s super awesome to be a part of.”

Naylor is coming off a home run in ALCS Game 2, becoming the first Canadian player to ever homer as a visitor in Canada during the MLB postseason.

He also had a steal in the same game, taking second base standing up with one of the best jumps you’ll ever see.

Naylor, one of the slowest players in baseball, hasn’t been caught stealing yet for the Mariners. He’s also shown timely slugging.

He’s an odd player type, short and squat and a first baseman who doesn’t seem like he’ll age well. But the Mariners are likely going to have to pay up to make sure he sticks around.

The case for Naylor can be made further the rest of the way in the postseason. The Mariners have never played in a World Series. If Naylor gets them there, and potentially helps Seattle win it, there’s no way they can let him leave.