Reds Attempted To Acquire Josh Naylor Before Trade Deadline

"The Mariners' acquisition of Josh Naylor is looking like one of the key moves of the 2025 season, given how Naylor has helped carry Seattle to the AL West crown and a first-round playoff bye. However, the M's weren't the only team who was looking to land Naylor, as USA Today's Bob Nightengale writes that the Reds "were close to" working out a trade to obtain the first baseman from the Diamondbacks. Exactly what the Reds offered the D'Backs isn't known, or if Cincinnati was the runner-up in the trade talks."

"It is worth noting that the Diamondbacks made their decision to move Naylor somewhat early - the Naylor trade was completed on July 24, a week before the July 31 trade deadline. It could be that Arizona simply liked the Mariners' offer (young pitchers Brandyn Garcia and Ashton Izzi) enough that it felt the Reds or any other teams weren't going to top it, or the Reds weren't given a chance to potentially make a counter."

"The Reds were known to be looking for extra bats at midseason, and Miguel Andujar has hit tremendously well in a part-time role since being acquired from the Athletics. Apart from Andujar, however, Cincinnati's other pre-deadline trades saw the team pick up more pitching (Zack Littell) and a defensive specialist in third baseman Ke'Bryan Hayes. While the Reds were surely hoping Hayes' offense might improve with a change of scenery, his .239/.320/.348 slash line in 175 plate appearances since the trade is still subpar, and only a slight step up from his dismal numbers in Pittsburgh."

Josh Naylor's presence in Seattle significantly contributed to the Mariners winning the AL West and earning a first-round playoff bye. Arizona completed the Naylor trade on July 24, a week before the July 31 deadline, as part of a deal that included young pitchers Brandyn Garcia and Ashton Izzi. Diamondbacks GM Mike Hazen and Mariners president Jerry Dipoto have an established trading rapport. Cincinnati pursued midseason offensive help and was reportedly close to landing Naylor but instead added Miguel Andujar, Zack Littell and Ke'Bryan Hayes, with Hayes' offense remaining underwhelming after the move.

Read at MLB Trade Rumors