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Former Twin Tyler Duffey proposes Josh Naylor trade idea that Minnesota should avoid

It's an intriguing idea, but the numbers suggest it would be a mistake.
ByJackson Kruse
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Sep 27, 2026; Seattle, Washington, USA; Seattle Mariners first baseman Josh Naylor (12) is pictured after game against the Los Angeles Angels at T-Mobile Park. Mandatory Credit: Stephen Brashear-Imagn Images
Sep 27, 2026; Seattle, Washington, USA; Seattle Mariners first baseman Josh Naylor (12) is pictured after game against the Los Angeles Angels at T-Mobile Park. Mandatory Credit: Stephen Brashear-Imagn Images | IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect

The Minnesota Twins might be looking for a first baseman/designated hitter this offseason to combat the potential loss of Josh Bell. Minnesota doesn't really need a full-time DH, as the outfield is full with Walker Jenkins, Emmanuel Rodriguez, Byron Buxton, and Luke Keaschall, so the team may want to use the DH spot for one of them. However, Minnesota could still look to acquire a DH who can also play first base, especially if the club plans to get rid of Royce Lewis.

Former Twins right-handed reliever Tyler Duffey floated the idea that Minnesota should target Seattle Mariners first baseman Josh Naylor.

"[Naylor] is under contract, which means that money is staying where it is, you can manipulate it however such, but I see him as a guy, like an Eddie Rosario-esque," Duffey said on the "Twin Cities Territory" podcast. "The other teams cannot stand to see the guy do well. He gets the boys fired up. He's figured something out. Maybe he's been a speedy guy the whole time, and we just didn't know it. He's stealing bags. He's hitting homers... I think that's something, whether you like it or not, great to have it in the locker room. It brings an energy that you can't fake. It's the slug, it's the energy, it's things like that. He's a guy that could somehow come to us instead of Dan [Hayes'] pipe dream of [Rafael] Devers."

It's an intriguing idea. Naylor has been an above-average hitter over his eight-year MLB career, slashing .268/.327/.429 (111 wRC+) with 114 home runs, 492 RBI and 85 stolen bases. However, he is coming off his worst season since 2021, posting 0.6 fWAR and a 95 wRC+ with just 10 home runs and 57 RBI in 152 games.

Twins shouldn't attempt to acquire Mariners 1B Josh Naylor

Naylor, 29, signed a five-year, $92.5 million deal with the Mariners this past offseason. He is still owed $83.9 million. If Naylor were a free agent, it would make sense for the Twins to attempt to sign him. But since he is under contract through 2030, owed over $80 million and struggled significantly this year, Minnesota should avoid attempting to acquire him.

It's worth noting that Naylor underwent right wrist surgery after the regular season. He also dealt with other minor injuries throughout the year but still appeared in 152 of Seattle's 162 games. Injuries may have hindered his performance.

Regardless, the Twins shouldn't reach out to the Mariners about Naylor unless Seattle is willing to take on a significant portion of his contract to make a trade. Most likely, the Mariners aren't even considering trading Naylor, as parting ways with the former All-Star would be selling low after his poor season.

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