The Diamondbacks traded Josh Naylor to the Mariners on July 25, 2025, kicking off their trade deadline sell-off. Who's next? Suarez & Kelly could be moved.
StatPro MLB Beat Reporter
The Arizona Diamondbacks have officially entered sell mode. In a move that signals a clear pivot towards the future, the team confirmed Friday that they have traded productive first baseman Josh Naylor to the Seattle Mariners. The deal sends a shockwave through the clubhouse and the fan base, making it clear that the recent two-game winning streak won't stop a significant roster shakeup ahead of the trade deadline.
The question is no longer *if* the D-backs will sell, but who's next on the block.
The departure of Josh Naylor is a tough pill to swallow for fans who have enjoyed his breakout season. Hitting a solid .292 with 11 home runs and 59 RBIs, Naylor was a consistent run-producer in the middle of the lineup. His move to the Mariners ahead of their series with the Angels confirms the front office's strategy: capitalize on valuable assets now to build for 2026 and beyond. While the return from Seattle has yet to be fully analyzed, the message is clear: performance this season is secondary to acquiring future talent.
Trading Naylor appears to be just the opening act. Reports are swirling that the D-backs are actively shopping several other key veterans on expiring contracts. Names at the top of the list include third baseman Eugenio Suarez and top-of-the-rotation arms Merrill Kelly and Zac Gallen. With contending teams desperate for power bats and reliable starting pitching, Arizona is in a prime position to command a significant haul of prospects, potentially reshaping the farm system in a matter of days.
Amidst the trade turmoil, the Diamondbacks (50-53) still have a game to play. They'll open a series in Pittsburgh against the Pirates tonight, sending Ryne Nelson (6-2, 3.52 ERA) to the mound. It will be a test of focus for a clubhouse undoubtedly distracted by the off-field news. Nelson will face the Pirates' Mike Burrows (1-3, 4.70 ERA) as the team looks to build on its modest two-game win streak and play spoiler, even as its own roster is being dismantled.
While the D-backs will try to make it three straight wins tonight in Pittsburgh, the real action is happening off the field. The next few days leading up to the trade deadline will be a whirlwind of rumors and moves. Fasten your seatbelts, D-backs fans; the future of the franchise is being shaped right now.
