PHOENIX — The Diamondbacks made a quiet but telling move Thursday, shipping first baseman Josh Naylor to the Mariners in exchange for two pitching prospects. It wasn’t just a roster tweak. It was a message.
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Jul 7, 2025; San Diego, California, USA; Arizona Diamondbacks first baseman Josh Naylor (22) gestures after hitting a two-run home run during the fifth inning against the San Diego Padres at Petco Park. Mandatory Credit: Denis Poroy-Imagn Images
After weeks of straddling the line between buyer and seller, Arizona appears to be signaling a shift toward the future. The team’s rotation has been hit hard, with Corbin Burnes, AJ Puk and Justin Martinez all out for extended time. Now the front office is clearly prioritizing long-term depth over short-term fixes.
Arizona Diamondbacks Executive Vice President and General Manager Mike Hazen during spring training practice at Salt River Fields at Talking Stick in Scottsdale on Feb. 13, 2025. © Rob Schumacher/The Republic / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images
General Mike Hazen believes the team is still in a position to compete, according to MLB’s Steve Gilbert, taking advantage of the first baseman market to acquire pitching. However, trading a mid-tier slugger could signal the team is unofficially entering seller mode.
Hazen also has “not ruled out” a trade for three-time All-Star Ketel Marte, depending on the haul, according to The Extra Point’s Mark McClune. With Marte’s value, the Diamondbacks would be in a great position to receive the pitching they’re looking for.
Thank you and best of luck in Seattle, Josh ❤️ pic.twitter.com/USl9DZOOsf
— Arizona Diamondbacks (@Dbacks) July 25, 2025
With the trade deadline approaching and key arms on the shelf, the Diamondbacks appear to be shifting their focus to the future.
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Wendy Lopez is a reporter for Burn City Sports. You can follow her on her X account, @wlopezde
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