The D-backs traded Josh Naylor to the Mariners and reinstated Ketel Marte on July 25, 2025. See how this major roster overhaul impacts Arizona's season.
StatPro MLB Beat Reporter
Just when you thought Friday was just about a road game in Pittsburgh, the Arizona Diamondbacks front office dropped a bombshell. In a move that sends ripples through the clubhouse and the fanbase, first baseman Josh Naylor has been traded to the Seattle Mariners. The deal marks a significant shift for a team hovering just below .500, signaling a clear new direction as the trade deadline looms.
The D-backs will now look to replace the .292 average, 11 home runs, and 59 RBIs that Josh Naylor provided in the heart of the order.
The news broke just before game time: Josh Naylor is no longer a Diamondback. The first baseman was a consistent source of offense this season, and his departure leaves a sizable hole in the lineup. For a team that has struggled with offensive consistency, trading away a player with 11 homers and 59 RBIs is a bold, if not puzzling, move. The trade signals the front office may be retooling for the future, prioritizing different assets over immediate power production as they look to climb back in the NL West standings.
While one key player departs, another makes a welcome return. Infielder Ketel Marte has been officially reinstated from the Restricted List, a huge boost for the D-backs. Marte's veteran presence and versatile bat are exactly what this team needs, and his return couldn't be more timely. To make room on the 40-man roster, infielder Sergio Alcántara was designated for assignment and subsequently outrighted to the minors. The swap provides an immediate upgrade and reshapes the infield dynamic, with Marte likely slotting back into his familiar role.
With the roster shuffle as the backdrop, the Diamondbacks (50-53) still have a game to play. They open a series in Pittsburgh tonight against the Pirates. Ryne Nelson gets the start for Arizona, bringing his solid 6-2 record and 3.52 ERA to the mound. He'll face off against Pittsburgh's Mike Burrows (1-3, 4.70 ERA). This game is no longer just another contest; it's the first look at a post-Naylor, Marte-inclusive lineup. How the team responds to the day's dramatic changes will set the tone for the weekend.
Today's moves are a clear message: the Diamondbacks are not standing pat. While losing Naylor stings, the return of Marte provides a much-needed spark. All eyes will now be on the front office to see what's next before the deadline, and on the field in Pittsburgh to see how this reshuffled roster performs under pressure. The second half of the season just got a whole lot more interesting.
