Since being traded from the Arizona Diamondbacks just before the trade deadline, Josh Naylor has quickly made a mark with the Seattle Mariners this season. His combination of power hitting and unexpected baserunning prowess has drawn significant attention in the baseball world, exemplifying his growing impact on the team’s offensive efforts.
In his short time with the Mariners, Naylor has already hit three home runs, including an impressive 450-foot shot in the Mariners’ 8-6 victory over the Chicago White Sox on Wednesday. Alongside his power display, Naylor has surprised many by stealing four bases in just the last two games, showing a speed element that wasn’t widely recognized before his arrival. This unexpected threat on the basepaths has led him to achieve historic milestones.
Historic Baserunning Milestone Joins Billy Hamilton’s Company
Josh Naylor has become the first Major League Baseball player since Billy Hamilton in 2013 to steal more than 10 bases in his first 12 games with a new franchise. Hamilton, known for his remarkable speed, stole 326 bases over his 11-season career and consistently ranked among the league’s best base stealers, reaching 56 or more steals in four straight seasons from 2014 through 2017.
Josh Naylor is the first @MLB player with 10+ stolen bases in his first 12 games with a franchise since Billy Hamilton for the Cincinnati Reds from Sept. 3-25, 2013.— Mariners PR (@MarinersPR) August 7, 2025
Naylor’s stolen base success places him alongside one of the fastest runners in modern baseball history, underscoring how his baserunning skills add a valuable new dimension to his game and to the Mariners’ offense.
Joining Ichiro Suzuki in Mariners’ Team History
Adding to his list of achievements, Naylor matched another rare feat previously accomplished only by Baseball Hall of Famer Ichiro Suzuki. Both players recorded two or more stolen bases and at least one home run in consecutive games for the Mariners, highlighting Naylor’s rare blend of speed and power within the team’s history.
Josh Naylor is the second player in @Mariners history with 2+ stolen bases and 1+ home run in consecutive games, joining Ichiro Suzuki (Sept. 8-9, 2011).— Mariners PR (@MarinersPR) August 7, 2025
At 28 years old, Naylor is currently hitting .290 for the season, boasting 14 home runs, 65 RBIs, and 21 stolen bases, along with a .357 on-base percentage. His well-rounded offensive profile is contributing significantly to Seattle’s competitive position.
Seattle Mariners’ Current Standings and Upcoming Challenges
With Wednesday’s win over Chicago, the Mariners improved to 62-53 on the season and are just two games behind in the American League West division race. They also hold a narrow one-game lead over the New York Yankees for the second wild card spot, making every game critical as they push toward the postseason.
The Mariners continue their series against the White Sox with another game scheduled at 1:10 p.m. PT on Thursday, where fans will be eager to see if Naylor can sustain his hot streak both at the plate and on the bases.
The Growing Excitement Around Seattle’s Baseball Scene
Beyond Naylor’s achievements, the Mariners organization is experiencing renewed energy in various areas. Team highlights include Julio Rodriguez surpassing Alex Rodriguez for the most 20-20 seasons in Mariners history and ongoing discussions about Mariners players’ potential involvement in the upcoming World Baseball Classic. These developments contribute to a promising future outlook for the team and its fans.