A prominent MLB insider suggests that if All-Star becomes available ahead of the trade deadline, both the Seattle Mariners and Cincinnati Reds would be “excellent” landing spots for him.
The Arizona Diamondbacks, despite strong seasons from Corbin Carroll and Eugenio Suarez, have struggled in 2025. After winning 89 games last year — their best mark since 2017 — expectations were high for another leap forward following their World Series appearance two years ago. Instead, they enter the weekend sitting fourth in the competitive NL West.
Compounding their issues is a significant elbow injury to ace and high-profile offseason signing Corbin Burnes. If Burnes is unable to return and pitch at an elite level, there’s growing speculation that Arizona may shift to a selling approach before the July 31 trade deadline.
According to The Athletic’s Jim Bowden, Josh Naylor could be one of the key players the Diamondbacks shop, with the Mariners and Reds expected to be top contenders for his services.
“Arizona pulled off a strong offseason move by acquiring first baseman Josh Naylor, but if they decide to shift into sell mode, he’s likely to be traded again since he’s in the final year before free agency. Naylor, 27, would be a great addition for teams like the Seattle Mariners or Cincinnati Reds.”
Josh Naylor stats (2025): .287 AVG, .344 OBP, .448 SLG, .792 OPS, 7 HR, 37 RBI, 30 R
Both the Mariners and Reds are aiming to stay in the playoff race as the summer progresses, and both could use a boost at first base. Cincinnati, in particular, would benefit from Naylor’s power down the stretch. Additionally, these teams are more likely to pursue a short-term rental rather than take on a player with a large, long-term contract.
Naylor was named an All-Star for the first time in 2024. In his seventh MLB season, he set career highs with 31 home runs, 84 runs scored, and 108 RBIs.
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