Josh Naylor, born on June 22, 1997, is a talented Canadian professional baseball first baseman currently playing for the Seattle Mariners in Major League Baseball (MLB). His journey in the MLB began when he was selected twelfth overall by the Miami Marlins in the first round of the 2015 draft. However, it was with the San Diego Padres that he made his debut in 2019 after being traded in 2016.
Naylor showcased his skills with the Padres until August 2020, when he was traded to the Cleveland Indians. His tenure with the Indians was marked by significant achievements, including being named an MLB All-Star during the 2024 season. Following this success, he transitioned to the Arizona Diamondbacks after the 2024 season, only to be traded again to the Mariners in July 2025.
In addition to his MLB career, Naylor has proudly represented Canada on the international stage. He competed in the 2017 World Baseball Classic and made history as the first and only Canadian to participate in three editions of the U-18 Baseball World Cup in 2012, 2013, and 2015.
His contributions to Canadian baseball have not gone unnoticed, as he is a two-time recipient of the prestigious Tip O'Neill Award, which honors the best Canadian baseball player. Naylor received this accolade in both 2023 and 2025, solidifying his status as a prominent figure in the sport.