We have seen a few trades here and there in the last few weeks in MLB.
However, former Cleveland Guardians first baseman Josh Naylor being flipped from the Arizona Diamondbacks to the Seattle Mariners was, in the minds of many specialists, the first major pre-deadline trade.
Late on Thursday, the D-Backs sent their first baseman to Seattle in exchange for their 13th and 16th prospects, per MLB insider Jeff Passan.
“Left-hander Brandyn Garcia and right-hander Ashton Izzi are headed back to the Arizona Diamondbacks from the Seattle Mariners for first baseman Josh Naylor, sources tell ESPN. That’s the full trade. And so begins deadline season. Buckle up,” he posted on X.
Left-hander Brandyn Garcia and right-hander Ashton Izzi are headed back to the Arizona Diamondbacks from the Seattle Mariners for first baseman Josh Naylor, sources tell ESPN. That's the full trade.
And so begins deadline season. Buckle up.
— Jeff Passan (@JeffPassan) July 25, 2025
Naylor is a pure rental, as he is expected to hit the free agent market after the World Series.
He is hitting .292/.360/.447 with 11 home runs and 11 stolen bases in 93 games.
He has a 123 wRC+ with Arizona and will start a new chapter of his career in Seattle with a contender.
Naylor had been acquired by Arizona from the Guardians back in the offseason.
The Guardians received pitcher Slade Cecconi, who is currently sporting a 3.76 ERA in 69.1 innings in Cleveland, plus a high draft pick.
That selection turned out to be promising right-handed pitcher Will Hynes.
The Naylor trade between the Guardians and Diamondbacks was heavily criticized by many in the offseason, but by now, it’s clear that the Guardians are happy with their end of the deal.
Now, Arizona is receiving two prospects for the lefty-hitting slugger, Seattle gets a quality hitter to play first base or DH, and Cleveland is enjoying Cecconi, who could be a future ace.
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