It began as a lighthearted interaction between sports worlds. After the Blue Jays defeated the Mariners in Game 7 of the ALCS, they took the celebration on social media, poking fun at Seattle Kraken forward Shane Wright and extending their heartfelt invitation. “Between us, we know how much it hurt you to put that jersey on. Consider this an open invitation to throw the first pitch at a game next season.”

The post quoted Seattle Kraken’s X handle, where players were seen in Mariners jerseys in Toronto before their game against the Maple Leafs on October 18. But that story has now taken a different narrative with Shane Wright’s message. In an interview with Sportsnet, he clarified that, “I chose not to wear it.”

Sportnet also posted, “Shane Wright sets the record straight that he didn’t join his teammates in wearing Mariners jerseys in Toronto during the ALCS.” Kraken added more.

“Yeah, I mean, I don’t know what to say. I didn’t wear the jersey in.” He then continued, “There’s guys in the room who can vouch for that. I think me, Karts, and Wentz are the only guys who didn’t wear the Mariners jersey.” Then he was also asked whether not wearing the Mariners jersey was a conscious choice.

“Yes, because I’m an Ontario boy. I did. I chose not to wear it. It was tough because I haven’t really been the biggest baseball guy, but I think I’ve definitely been more of a Jays fan in my life than a Mariners fan, so I wanted to stick to that and support the Jays,” the NHL star continued with a smile. Wright’s statement drew laughter and respect.

That answer cleared the debate and softened the confusion.

Following that wholesome cross-sport moment, the conversation in Seattle quickly shifted back to baseball — and specifically, to one of the city’s newest fan favorites whose future remains uncertain.

Seattle Mariners GM gives telling statement on Josh Naylor’s free agency

With the offseason on the horizon for the Mariners, Josh Naylor’s future has become one of the major talking points in Seattle. Following an exceptional two-and-a-half-month stretch and a strong postseason run, the 28-year-old first baseman is approaching his first foray into free agency, and the Mariners’ front office is making it clear that they want Josh Naylor back.

Recently, General Manager Justin Hollander told The Seattle Times, “He fits in great. Josh just got two months, plus the playoffs, of what Seattle was like as a sports town… We’ll try and figure it out.”

The comment by Hollander echoes the true sentiments of Mariners president Jerry Dipoto, who also expressed interest in keeping him in Seattle. 

The franchise has $30-40 million to work with this winter, and Naylor is expected to land a minimum four-year contract. While he might not rank among the top first basemen in MLB, his athleticism and 19 stolen bases in only 54 games demonstrate his potential.

For both sides, a reunion seems logical, but it will finally depend on how far Seattle’s top management is willing to make it happen.

In the end, both Shane Wright’s sincere acknowledgment and Josh Naylor’s forthcoming deal decision show the heart of what makes Seattle sports so captivating – loyalty, community, and emotion. From rinks to diamonds, the tales mix with a shared sense of pride.