Guardians Fans Face Mixed Emotions as Naylor Struggles with Mariners
Josh Naylor returned to Progressive Field early in the 2026 season. Guardians Fans Face Mixed Emotions as Naylor Struggles with Mariners has become a common theme. The first four games gave Cleveland a close look at their former slugger.
Contract and recent history
Naylor signed a five-year, $92.5 million deal with Seattle in the offseason. He had been traded away two winters earlier. Last season he split time between the Diamondbacks and Mariners.
In 2025 he hit .295 with 20 home runs, 95 RBIs and 30 steals across 147 games. He also raised his postseason profile with a .340 average and three playoff homers.
Early-season slump
The start of 2026 has been rough. Naylor went 0-for-15 against Cleveland while drawing three walks.
Through a six-game stretch he was 1-for-27 entering play on Friday. That span included five strikeouts and minimal hard contact.
Only six of his 22 balls in play left the infield. His lone hit in that stretch came off Yankees starter Max Fried.
Lineup struggles and team implications
Naylor is not the only Mariner slumping. He, Cal Raleigh and Julio Rodríguez combined to go 7-for-78 to open the year.
That trio had zero home runs in the early sample. Such cold stretches matter for a Seattle roster chasing its first World Series berth.
Cleveland benefitted from the rough start. The Guardians split their season-opening series at T-Mobile Park. Those results could matter for Wild Card positioning later in the year.
Fan reactions and outlook
Many Guardians fans feel conflicted. Naylor remains popular in Cleveland after his time there.
When he returned last year, he said he wanted a place where he felt appreciated. Seattle offered that, and a long-term contract followed.
The current slump covers only a handful of games. Analysts and fans expect him to regain form as the season progresses.
- Key stat: 0-for-15 vs. Guardians, three walks in that span.
- Key stat: 1-for-27 overall through six games, five strikeouts.
- Team stat: Naylor, Raleigh and Rodríguez 7-for-78 (.089) with zero homers.
- Contract: five years, $92.5 million with Seattle.
- 2025 totals: .295, 20 HR, 95 RBI, 30 steals in 147 games.
Filmogaz.com will continue to track Naylor’s progress as the season develops. Small sample sizes can be misleading early on.
