Josh Naylor’s Enhanced Leg Kick Powers Mariners to 2-HR Game

Josh Naylor tried a bigger leg kick Monday and responded with two home runs. The Mariners beat the Houston Astros 6-2.

Leg kick change sparks big night

Naylor adopted a larger leg kick for the first time in the game. The adjustment coincided with his first two homers of the season.

He admitted the move felt odd at first. Still, the result was immediate and powerful.

Stats and reaction

Before the game, Naylor was struggling at the plate. His season average stood at .102 with two RBIs.

Despite the slump, his hard-hit rate was 35.4 percent. That figure topped several teammates, including Cal Raleigh.

Impact swing and celebration

The second homer traveled 433 feet to center field. It produced two runs and became Seattle’s longest home run of the season.

Naylor celebrated with an emphatic bat flip and a playful shove of the bat into the air with his right hand. Manager Dan Wilson praised the quality of contact and the number of barrels Naylor found.

Player history and contract

Naylor joined Seattle via a trade last July from Arizona. He posted a .299 average with nine homers, 33 RBIs and 19 stolen bases in 54 games with the club.

In November, he signed a five-year deal worth $92.5 million. The contract marked the team’s long-term commitment to him.

Franchise context and next steps

Seattle completed only its second four-game sweep of Houston in franchise history. The previous sweep occurred Aug. 9-12, 2018.

The club now travels to San Diego for a three-game series. Naylor remains uncertain whether he will keep the larger leg kick long term.

Mental approach

Naylor said he is trying to simplify his approach during a long season. He noted small mechanical tweaks can ease overthinking at the plate.

Fans’ support also helped. Naylor acknowledged hearing encouraging words while he battled through the early slump.

Many observers described Josh Naylor’s Enhanced Leg Kick Powers Mariners to 2-HR Game as a turning point for the first baseman. Filmogaz.com will follow his progress in San Diego and beyond.