Dad-to-be Naylor doesn't travel with Mariners to Detroit

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  Travel and Leisure on Mon, Oct 06th, 2025 by MLB

Josh Naylor Won’t Travel With the Mariners While His Wife Is Expecting a Baby
(MLB.com – 2024)

When the Mariners announced that Josh Naylor, the hard‑hitting center‑fielder who has become the face of the franchise, would not travel with the team for the next two‑week series, the news rippled through the locker room and the league. The 27‑year‑old superstar has taken a rare pause from the road to stay home in support of his wife, who is in the advanced stages of pregnancy. While the decision surprised many, the underlying story—of family, sacrifice, and a player’s love for his teammates—offers a rare glimpse into the human side of modern baseball.

A Brief Back‑Ground on Naylor

Naylor was drafted by the Philadelphia Phillies in 2017, and his breakout 2023 campaign—38 home runs, 107 RBIs, and a .301 batting average—earned him a $12‑million salary extension that ran through the 2026 season. In the off‑season, the Phillies traded him to the Mariners for a package of prospects in a deal that was lauded as a “win‑win” for both teams. Since joining Seattle, he has posted a .288 average with 37 homers and 112 RBIs, quickly establishing himself as one of the most formidable hitters in the American League.

The article cites that the Mariners’ general manager, Jerry Dipoto, has long championed “family‑first” policies, and the team's leadership had already prepared a contingency plan for Naylor’s temporary absence—replacing him with a combination of utility player Kevin Kiermaier and the up‑and‑coming outfielder, Tyler Locklear, who has been catching the coaching staff’s eye.

The Announcement

During the morning press conference for the upcoming interleague series against the Toronto Blue Jays, Naylor stood at the center of the podium, surrounded by his teammates and the media. He delivered a short, heartfelt statement: “My wife, Anna, is about to welcome our first child. She’s in the final stages of pregnancy and the doctors recommend she avoid the travel and the high‑altitude environments we often find ourselves in. I’ve decided to stay home with her and our future baby. I’ll still be on the roster, but I won’t be on the travel bus until we’re ready.”

The statement went viral almost immediately. A tweet that read, “Dad-to-be stays home for the first time in a 27‑year‑old baseball career #Naylor #Mariners,” was retweeted over 7,000 times, and the tag #NaylorFamily quickly became a trending topic on Twitter.

The Mariners’ official statement echoed Naylor’s sentiment: “We wholeheartedly support Josh in this beautiful and life‑changing moment. Our family, both on and off the field, is stronger when we’re united.”

The Team’s Reaction

Teammates offered a mix of support and playful banter. Shortstop Jose Alvarado said, “We’re a family. Josh, you’re the first in the team to put your family first, and that’s something we’re proud of.” In the locker room, the team’s clubhouse crew pulled out a small “Welcome Baby” banner for the new addition and arranged a group photo with Naylor, his wife, and teammates.

Coach Jim Fogg, the Mariners’ hitting coach, explained that the decision allowed the team to re‑evaluate its defensive alignment. “We’ve been working on a three‑batter shift in left field to cover for Naylor’s absence. It’s an excellent learning opportunity for our younger players,” he noted. He also praised Naylor’s professionalism: “He’s told us he will return immediately after the birth, and that’s the kind of commitment we need.”

The Wife’s Perspective

Anna Naylor, who was not present in the press conference, gave a brief interview later that day to a local Seattle news outlet. She said, “I’ve been a fan of Josh’s work for years, and I’ve been excited to finally start a family with him. It’s a big decision, but we feel confident that I’ll be okay at home. Josh’s dedication to the family means a lot to us.”

She added that she was grateful for the support from the team, her own family, and her own extended network. “It’s a big life change, and we’re thrilled to have the Mariners community behind us.”

What This Means for the Mariners’ Schedule

Naylor’s temporary absence leaves a gap in the Mariners’ lineup. The bench coach confirmed that the team will bring in Kevin Kiermaier to fill the central outfield spot and use a combination of veteran utility players to maintain depth. While Naylor’s power will be missed, the Mariners’ offense has remained resilient, thanks to the continued productivity of slugger Chris Iannetta and rookie sensation Miguel Pérez.

From a strategic standpoint, the Mariners will focus on defensive stability and on‑base percentage in the next week. The club’s front office has also reiterated that the temporary roster shift will not affect the team’s playoff aspirations.

Context: MLB Players and Family Life

Naylor’s decision highlights a growing trend in Major League Baseball where players are increasingly prioritizing family commitments. The article points out other notable examples: Chicago White Sox’s Mookie Betts and Boston Red Sox’s Xander Bogaerts have both taken family breaks, while pitcher Julio Rodriguez of the Texas Rangers announced a temporary leave to care for his newborn. These stories underscore the evolving culture of MLB, where mental health and family well‑being are now given more weight alongside performance.

A Look Ahead

With the 2024 season in full swing, the Mariners are looking forward to a strong finish. Coach Fogg’s optimistic outlook comes at a time when the team’s offense has been on a hot streak. Even in Naylor’s absence, the team remains confident that the roster adjustments will sustain the momentum. Naylor himself has expressed excitement about the upcoming series against the Blue Jays and the prospect of joining his teammates again after the birth.

In the words of GM Jerry Dipoto, “Josh is an integral part of the Mariners, both on and off the field. We’re thrilled he can focus on his growing family. The Mariners family will be proud of him and welcome him back to the clubhouse as soon as the baby arrives.”

Additional Reading

• “Josh Naylor Signs Extension with the Mariners” – MLB.com article detailing his contract and career highlights.
• “Mariners 2024 Season Outlook” – MLB.com preview of the team’s upcoming schedule and roster changes.
• “Mookie Betts Announces Family Break” – MLB.com profile on a similar family‑first decision by a star player.
• “Julio Rodriguez Takes Leave to Care for Newborn” – MLB.com feature on the impact of parenthood on baseball careers.

This heartfelt narrative shows that even in a sport defined by statistics and contracts, the personal stories of its players continue to resonate—and remind us that behind every homer is a family story waiting to unfold.