The Seattle Mariners had a fairytale run this time. But sadly, it came to a tragic end, just one game shy of the World Series. But now the real test starts. After that heartbreaking ALCS loss to the Toronto Blue Jays, the Mariners are staring at one of the most crucial offseasons in maybe their franchise history. And it starts with a $10.9 million question—what’s going to happen with Josh Naylor and his future in Seattle?

When Seattle traded for Naylor from the D’backs ahead of the deadline, they knew what they were getting—a good slugger coming in for a short term. It was a classic rental move, but the team may not have anticipated how quickly Naylor would become the team’s mainstay. In just a few months, he ended up hitting .831 OPS with Seattle. He also stole 21 bases without getting caught, and the energy he brought in was over the roof!

Now the Seattle Mariners must decide if that spark is worth paying big money for and worth the long-term investment. Naylor, for his part, has spoken warmly about his time in Seattle, but given that free agency is coming, both sides need to come to a conclusion soon.

ESPN’s David Schoenfield summed it up perfectly: “Re-signing Naylor. Acquired at the trade deadline, Naylor provided solid production at the plate (.831 OPS with Seattle) and on the bases (19-for-19 stealing bases in two months with the Mariners). He was a good clubhouse fit and popular with the fans while putting up big numbers in an ALCS loss that went all the way to Game 7.”

And sure, Naylor is at the forefront, but the Mariners have another major concern, and it’s their pitching. A year after leading the league in rotation ERA, their starters fell to 13th overall and 23rd on the road. Plus, injuries have been an issue with Logan Gilbert, George Kirby, and Bryce Miller—so it didn’t help. Moreover, the postseason went on to highlight the lack of depth behind the top arms.

Now, given free agents like Jorge Polanco and Eugenio Suarez are also in limbo, the Mariners’ winter decisions could shape what the next season or several more look like. For now, it seems like the front office would most likely bring back most of the core, but unless the ownership decides to amp it up financially, this could be another off-season of “almost.” The players are already devastated by the near-miss to WS, and if they want to return to the place they reached this year or finally cross this stage, they need Josh Naylor for sure!

Josh Naylor’s painful play shows his dedication to the Seattle Mariners

When one is chasing their franchise’s first-ever World Series appearance, everything is right—and you throw yourself into every play. And sometimes quite literally, and if you ask Josh Naylor, he’d tell. He proved once again in Game 7 of the ALCS why he is the heartbeat of the Mariners. In the very first inning, he gave Seattle an early 1-0 lead with an RBI single that brought Julio Rodriguez home.

Then moments later, he found himself sprinting towards second on a ground ball by Jorge Polanco and then straight into a chaotic, painful play. As Jay’s Ernie Clement, fired to first, Naylor leaped right into the throw and tried to break up the double play. For a season, it did look like that worked, since Polanco was ruled safe. The crowd screamed, but alas, the umpires overturned it—interference on Naylor.

But the rulebook—this was the right call, as Naylor was already out once Clement touched second, meaning he couldn’t hinder or impede the throw. Still, you can’t really fault him for at least trying. If you are already out, why not take a chance, right? And that’s the kind of player Naylor is, the one who plays hard and takes risks when he can. Sure, he is not the fastest or the flashiest, but his efforts show, and that screams leadership. And after what happened in Game 6, when the Mariners hit into three rally, double plays, one can understand why he wanted to flip the script. Mariners president Jerry Dipoto had made one thing clear—he wants Naylor back. And frankly, who wouldn’t? He is the gritty, fearless player you win with.