The Seattle Mariners‘ offense broke out of its slump during their four-game sweep over the Houston Astros, scoring 29 runs in four games. One of the players who sparked their offensive breakout was first baseman Josh Naylor, who belted a pair of home runs on April 13th, his first two of the season.
After the game, Naylor said he had altered his swing, saying the worst thing that could have happened was another hitless day.
Going into Monday’s game against the Astros, Naylor was slashing .102/.197/.102, for a .299 OPS. He had just six hits through 16 games, all singles. On a team that was struggling at the plate, Naylor’s struggles were the most concerning.
How Josh Naylor Altered His Swing, and Saw Immediate Results
GettySeattle Mariners first baseman Josh Naylor has struggled in the first few weeks, but a key swing change has helped him breakout.
After his 16-game slump, Naylor went 2-for-4 with two home runs and five RBI on April 13th, playing a key role in the Mariners’ 6-2 win over the Astros. On both of Naylor’s home runs, the slugger utilized a leg-kick that did not used to be a feature of his swing.
“I don’t like it,” Naylor said postgame.
Whether or not he liked it, it worked well for the first baseman. He raised his OPS from .299 to .437 in one game and single-handedly lifted the Mariners to victory. If not for his three-run and two-run home runs, the Mariners would have lost 2-1.
Naylor said baseball is a game of trial-and-error, and that he was simply trying something new out.
“I think you try things sometimes and hope it works, and if it doesn’t, try something else,” said Naylor. “You work your hardest to be the best you can be.”
Naylor said he figured the worst thing that could happen was another bad day at the plate, so he might as well add a leg kick and see what happens.
“I mean, what’s the worst that can happen? I go 0-for-4 again? I’ve done that already,” said Naylor. “We’ve been there, done that type of thing. So, yeah, I guess sometimes trying something new kind of eliminates a process in your mind of thinking about things within your normal swing base. So I tried that, and it worked out today.”
Naylor did not commit to keeping the leg kick as a part of his swing going forward, instead saying, “maybe I’ll stick with it.”
Seattle Needs Naylor to Contribute
GettyJosh Naylor and Cal Raleigh celebrate after Naylor’s second home run against the Houston Astros.
The Mariners will need Naylor to be a big piece of their offense this season. After trading for him at the deadline last year, Naylor had a monster second half of the year. In 54 games with the Mariners, he slashed .299/.341/.490, hitting nine home runs and stealing 19 bases. He accumulated 2.2 bWAR during that two-month stretch. Over a full season, he was playing on a six-win pace.
Naylor is a rarity in today’s MLB. He is a first baseman who has the ability to hit for a good average (.308 in ’23, .295 in ’25) and still has the power to hit 20 home runs in a season, a feat he’s managed in three of the past four years. He’s also become a plus-baserunner, with 30 steals in 2025.
The Mariners signed Naylor to a five-year, $92.5 million contract, thinking they were getting a first baseman who could go 20-20 while hitting .280. Even throughout his slow start to the season, Seattle has entrusted Naylor with the cleanup spot in the lineup, a sign the team still believes in him.
Naylor and the Mariners will look to stay hot against the San Diego Padres, their next opponents.
Seattle Mariners Slugger Tweaks Swing, Blasts Two Home Runs