Seattle Mariners’ first baseman Josh Naylor, hailing from Mississauga, Ont., clinched the 2025 Tip O’Neill Award, an annual accolade bestowed by the Canadian Baseball Hall of Fame upon the finest Canadian player in Major League Baseball. Naylor topped all Canadians in batting average (.295), runs batted in (92), and stolen bases (30) during the season, splitting his time between Arizona and Seattle. Additionally, he secured the second spot among Canadian MLB players in hits (160), runs (81), home runs (20), doubles (29), and walks (48).
Expressing gratitude for the award, Naylor remarked in a news release, “To be recognized with this honor is incredibly humbling. I am deeply thankful and privileged. I am committed to continuing to work hard and play diligently to set a strong example for the younger generations.”
The 28-year-old outshone competitors such as Boston Red Sox pitcher Nick Pivetta, Toronto Blue Jays first baseman Vladimir Guerrero Jr., and Cleveland Guardians reliever Cade Smith to secure the prestigious award. Scott Crawford, the Hall’s director of operations, praised Naylor’s exceptional performance, highlighting his prowess in both the regular season and playoffs. Crawford noted Naylor’s potent combination of power and base-stealing skills, making him a formidable offensive force in the league, and commended his infectious energy and love for the game of baseball.
Naylor emerged as a key player for the Mariners in the closing stages of the season, boasting impressive stats with a batting average of .364 and an OPS of .982 in September as Seattle surged towards clinching the American League West title.
In a significant achievement, Naylor joined an elite group as only the fourth first baseman in MLB history, and the second Canadian after Larry Walker, to achieve 20 home runs and 30 stolen bases in a single season. His stellar performance continued into the playoffs, where he maintained a batting average of .340 and an OPS of .966 in 12 games, leading the Mariners with 16 hits. Naylor also set multiple Canadian postseason records, notably becoming the first Canadian player to achieve four three-hit games in a single postseason.
Following the season, Naylor secured a lucrative five-year contract worth $92.5 million US with Seattle. Initially drafted 12th overall by the Miami Marlins in the 2015 MLB draft, Naylor is now embarking on his eighth season in the major leagues.