SEATTLE — The Seattle Mariners had a top goal this offseason and they accomplished it.

On Monday, the Mariners formally announced a five-year, $92.5 million contract with first baseman Josh Naylor that will keep the 2024 All-Star on the team through 2030.

Seattle acquired Naylor in a trade with the Arizona Diamondbacks on July 24, and the former D-back was one of the M's' most important players in a postseason run that took the club all the way to Game 7 of the American League Championship Series.

The new contract was signed early in the offseason, especially for a player on the higher-end of potential signees on the open market. But for Naylor, it was a simple decision. He wanted to remain in the Pacific Northwest. The front office was more than happy to oblige.

"I really enjoyed every single moment I was here," Naylor said in the news conference Tuesday. "From the players to the front office to the coaching staff to the rest of the staff, the kitchen crew, the clubhouse managers. Everything was so awesome. I had such a blast being a part of everything. Getting to know players on and off the field and just competing with them. Obviously we fell a bit short, but I can't wait to run it back with them because they deserve this, the city deserves it. Each player's family deserves it. I can't express how much fun I had on this team."

It was a simple decision for general manager Justin Hollander and president of baseball operations Jerry Dipoto, as well.

The pair flew out to talk to Naylor and his family. Discussions went well enough that Dipoto and Hollander almost missed their flight back.

"(Josh) hadn't really been around to see the way we operated over time," Dipoto said in the news conference. "(We shared) our story, what our plans are for the organization, how we got here, what we plan on doing going ahead. ... We shared a story. And we heard a lot more about Josh's backstory. We met in July (this) year, this was an opportunity to get to know one another better and put our best foot forward. And I think we walked out fully understanding what one another were about and I think that was the goal going in."

Hollander and Dipoto both raved about how quickly Naylor adhered himself to the city and to his teammates in the clubhouse. That respect from Naylor was shared by his teammates, who were apparently overjoyed at the deal getting done.

"On Sunday, when it was apparent that we would not be able to keep this a secret for a minute longer, I sent a few players a text," Hollander said in the news conference. "Letting them know 'Hey, we're about to sign a free agent as long as the physical goes well, please reach out to him.' And I just sent them Josh's contact info. And the text thread erupted. A lot of words I can't repeat on here, but just thrilled about the culture. I think the best sales pitch we can make as an organization is what the players think about the environment we've created. ... I think (the players) set the tone the right way. They want to win, they want to compete, they want to work every day and they want to have fun together. And that's a really cool culture to be a part of."

Naylor was the Mariners' No. 1 priority in the offseason and it's not hard to understand why.

In 54 games in the Pacific Northwest, Naylor scored 32 runs and hit 10 doubles and nine home runs with 33 RBIs. He slashed .299/.341/.490 with an .831 OPS and was a perfect 19-for-19 in stolen base attempts.

In the postseason, Naylor crossed home plate seven times in 12 games and connected for two doubles and three homers with five RBIs. He slashed .340/.392/.574 with a .966 OPS.

Getting the deal done early allows Seattle roster (and financial) flexibility to find other players to bolster the team for 2026.

For Naylor, a player who's was traded from the Cleveland Guardians to the Diamondbacks to the Mariners, all in the last calendar year, he finally has him home. And he's eager to get to work.

"Can't wait for Opening Day," Naylor said. "I honestly can't. I wish spring training started tomorrow, to be honest with you. See the guys again and the fans."

RELATED MARINERS STORIES

MARINERS ANNOUNCE DEAL WITH JOSH NAYLOR: The 2024 All-Star signed a five-year, $92.5 million contract that will extend through the 2030 season. CLICK HERE

HERE'S CURRENT STATE OF MARINERS LINEUP: The Mariners filled a big hole in their lineup by agreeing to a new deal with Naylor. CLICK HERE

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