MLB Rumors: NL Team Came Very Close To Acquiring Josh Naylor At Deadline

September 29, 2025 ,
Seattle Mariners first baseman Josh Naylor reacts during 2025 game.

The Cincinnati Reds were closer than many realized to pulling off one of the biggest moves of the 2025 MLB trade deadline. 

According to USA Today’s Bob Nightengale, Cincinnati was in advanced talks with the Arizona Diamondbacks for first baseman Josh Naylor, only for the Seattle Mariners to step in and finalize the deal on July 24.

Seattle’s aggressive move has paid off in a big way. Since joining the Mariners, Naylor has slashed .299/.341/.490 with nine home runs, 33 RBI, and an .831 OPS, helping the club secure its first AL West crown since 2001 and a first-round playoff bye. 

Meanwhile, the Reds pivoted by acquiring Ke’Bryan Hayes, Zack Littell, and Miguel Andujar. While Andujar has hit well in a limited role, Hayes’ bat has remained inconsistent, and Cincinnati’s lineup could have looked far different with Naylor anchoring first base.

The Reds’ missed opportunity is even more glaring given the club’s thrilling playoff race, which came down to the very last game. With Spencer Steer struggling for much of the year before a late-season rebound, Naylor would have been a major upgrade and may have altered the NL Wild Card picture entirely. 

Cincinnati had previously shown interest in Naylor last winter when he was still with the Cleveland Guardians, and with the slugger set to hit free agency this offseason, the Reds could re-enter the bidding. 

That said, Mariners president Jerry Dipoto has already expressed his desire to keep Naylor in Seattle, setting up a potential winter showdown between the two clubs.

Photo Credit: Joe Nicholson-Imagn Images

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