Brief Introduction of Josh Naylor
Josh Naylor, born Joshua-Douglas James Naylor on June 22, 1997, is a prominent Canadian professional baseball first baseman known for his powerful left-handed hitting and dynamic presence on the field. He currently plays for the Seattle Mariners in Major League Baseball (MLB), having previously showcased his talents with the San Diego Padres, Cleveland Guardians, and Arizona Diamondbacks. Naylor is celebrated for his resilience and clutch performances, including a historic two three-run home runs or grand slams in the ninth inning or later of the same game, a feat he accomplished in 2022. An MLB All-Star in 2024, his career journey from a highly touted amateur prospect in Mississauga, Ontario, to a respected MLB slugger has solidified his reputation as a key player in professional baseball.
Josh Naylor Overview
| Full Name | Joshua-Douglas James Naylor |
| Nickname | Naylz, Mississauga Masher |
| Date of Birth | June 22, 1997 |
| Age | 28 years old (as of August 25, 2025) |
| Birthplace | Mississauga, Ontario, Canada |
| Nationality | Canadian |
| Height | 5 feet 11 inches (1.80 m) |
| Weight | 257 pounds (117 kg) / 235 pounds (106 kg) |
| Profession | Professional Baseball Player (First Baseman, Left Fielder, Right Fielder) |
| Bats / Throws | Left / Left |
| MLB Debut | May 24, 2019, for the San Diego Padres |
| Current Team | Seattle Mariners (as of 2025) |
| Spouse | Chantel Collado (m. January 2025) |
| Parents | Chris Naylor (father), Jenice Naylor (mother) |
| Siblings | Bo Naylor (brother), Myles Naylor (brother) |
| Cousin | Denzel Clarke |
| Net Worth (as of Feb 2025) | Approximately $25,311,906 (career earnings) |
| Annual Salary (2025) | $10,900,000 |
| Agent | ISE Baseball |
Early Life and Education of Josh Naylor
Joshua-Douglas James Naylor was born on June 22, 1997, in Mississauga, Ontario, Canada, to parents Chris and Jenice Naylor. He is the eldest of three brothers; his younger siblings, Bo Naylor and Myles Naylor, have also pursued professional baseball careers. Baseball was a central part of the Naylor family’s life, with his father, Chris, coaching Josh’s minor peewee team, the Mississauga North Tigers. Naylor credits his mother, Jenice, who is of Jamaican heritage, for instilling in him a deep love for the game. The family frequently visited Jamaica, which further shaped Naylor’s cultural background.
Naylor attended St. Joan of Arc Catholic Secondary School in Mississauga, Ontario, where he distinguished himself as a talented young player. During his amateur career, he was a key member of the Ontario Blue Jays, an elite travel baseball team that competed in tournaments across North America. At just 15 years old, Naylor earned a spot on the Canadian junior national baseball team. With the national team, he achieved significant success, including winning a silver medal at the Under-18 Baseball World Cup in South Korea in 2012 and a bronze medal at the 2014 Under-18 Baseball World Cup. He also participated in the 2015 Under-18 Baseball World Cup.
In 2014, Naylor made history by becoming the first Canadian high school invitee to the MLB Junior Select Home Run Derby during MLB All-Star Week at Target Field, where he finished in second place. He also appeared in prestigious amateur showcases such as the Perfect Game All-American Classic and the Under Armour All-America Baseball Game. Prior to the MLB draft, Naylor was committed to playing college baseball at Texas Tech University. Perfect Game ranked him among the top 50 prospects for the 2015 MLB Draft, and he was named to Baseball America’s High School All-American first team.
Josh Naylor’s Career
Amateur and Draft (2015)
Josh Naylor’s promising amateur career culminated in his selection by the Miami Marlins as the 12th overall pick in the first round of the 2015 MLB draft. He signed with the Marlins after graduating from high school and began his professional journey with the Gulf Coast Marlins in the Rookie-level Gulf Coast League. In 25 games there, he posted an impressive .327 batting average with one home run and 16 RBIs. Naylor continued to advance, starting the 2016 season with the Greensboro Grasshoppers in the Single-A South Atlantic League.
San Diego Padres (2016–2020)
In July 2016, Naylor was traded to the San Diego Padres as part of a significant seven-player deal. He was also selected to play in the 2016 All-Star Futures Game. While in the Padres’ farm system, he was initially a first baseman but transitioned to an outfielder in 2018 after the Padres signed Eric Hosmer. Naylor made his MLB debut on May 24, 2019, against the Toronto Blue Jays, his hometown team. In his rookie season, he played 94 games, slashing .249/.315/.403 with eight home runs and 32 RBI. During the shortened 2020 season, he appeared in games for San Diego, batting .278/.316/.417 with one home run and four RBI.
Cleveland Guardians (2020–2024)
On August 31, 2020, Naylor was traded to the Cleveland Indians (now Guardians). He quickly made an impact, recording five hits in his first five career postseason plate appearances in the 2020 American League Wild Card Series, a historic first in MLB. His time with Cleveland was marked by both significant achievements and challenges. On June 27, 2021, Naylor suffered a severe ankle injury, breaking and dislocating it during a collision, which required season-ending surgery. He made a remarkable return in 2022, culminating in a historic performance on May 9 against the Chicago White Sox, where he became the first player in MLB history to hit two three-run home runs or grand slams in the ninth inning or later of the same game, driving in eight RBIs. He also tied the single-game RBI record for a Canadian-born player.
In 2023, Naylor continued his strong performance, batting .308/.354/.489 with 17 home runs, 97 RBI, and 10 stolen bases in 121 games. He led Canadian major leaguers in batting average, slugging percentage, OPS, doubles, RBIs, and stolen bases, earning him the Tip O’Neill Award. Notably, in 2023, he and his younger brother, Bo Naylor, made history by becoming the first brothers to hit home runs for the same team in the same inning. In his final season with Cleveland in 2024, Naylor played 152 games, hitting .243/.320/.456 with career-highs of 31 home runs and 108 RBI, and was named an MLB All-Star.
Arizona Diamondbacks (2025)
On December 21, 2024, the Guardians traded Naylor to the Arizona Diamondbacks. During his stint with the Diamondbacks, he made 93 appearances, batting .292/.360/.447 with 11 home runs, 59 RBI, and 11 stolen bases. On June 9, 2025, Naylor hit a walk-off grand slam against the Seattle Mariners.
Seattle Mariners (2025–present)
In July 2025, Naylor was traded to the Seattle Mariners, marking another chapter in his professional career. As of August 24, 2025, with the Mariners, he has a batting average of .282, 16 home runs, and 70 RBIs. His current contract with the Mariners is for one year, valued at $10.9 million, through 2025.
Josh Naylor Personal Life & Family
Josh Naylor’s personal life is closely intertwined with his family, particularly his two younger brothers, Bo and Myles Naylor, who are also professional baseball players. Their shared passion for baseball and supportive family environment, fostered by their parents Chris and Jenice Naylor, has been a significant influence on their careers. Josh has openly spoken about the crucial role his parents played in his upbringing and success, describing them as “heaven sent”. The brothers frequently train together in the offseason, reinforcing their close bond and competitive spirit. Their cousin, Denzel Clarke, is also a baseball player.
In his personal life, Josh Naylor married singer-songwriter Chantel Collado in January 2025. The couple had announced their engagement on June 12, 2023. Chantel Collado, a Canadian citizen born in Toronto, has Dominican and Uruguayan roots and is known for her work in tropical genres, earning her the nickname ‘La Princesa de La Bachata’. She has been a visible presence, supporting Naylor at games and accompanying him to events like the 2024 All-Star Game red carpet. Information about Naylor’s children is not publicly available.
Naylor is known for his enthusiastic and energetic personality, both on and off the field. He has a reputation for liking practical jokes, though one incident in 2016 involving a knife resulted in an injury to a teammate and a one-game suspension. Growing up, he was a fan of the Boston Red Sox, a team he watched with his father. He credits David Ortiz as one of his favorite baseball players.
Awards and Achievements of Josh Naylor
Josh Naylor has garnered several awards and notable achievements throughout his career, reflecting his talent and impact in baseball:
| Year | Award/Achievement | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| 2012 | Under-18 Baseball World Cup Silver Medal | Representing Canada in South Korea |
| 2014 | Under-18 Baseball World Cup Bronze Medal | Representing Canada |
| 2014 | MLB Junior Select Home Run Derby Participant | First Canadian invitee; finished second |
| 2015 | Under-18 Baseball World Cup All-Star First Baseman | Awarded for his performance |
| 2016, 2017 | All-Star Futures Game Selection | As a member of the World team |
| 2020 | First Player in MLB History with 5 Hits in First 5 Postseason Plate Appearances | Achieved in the American League Wild Card Series |
| 2022 | First Player in MLB History to Hit 2 Multi-Run HRs in 9th Inning or Later | Achieved 8+ RBIs in the 8th inning or later; tied Canadian single-game RBI record |
| 2023 | Tip O’Neill Award | Awarded by the Canadian Baseball Hall of Fame and Museum for individual achievement and team contribution |
| 2023 | First Brothers to Hit HRs in Same Inning (with Bo Naylor) | Achieved for the Cleveland Guardians |
| 2024 | MLB All-Star | First career All-Star selection |
Josh Naylor Net Worth and Income
As of February 2025, Josh Naylor’s estimated career earnings are approximately $25,311,906, according to Spotrac. For the 2025 MLB season, Naylor signed a one-year contract with the Arizona Diamondbacks (before being traded to the Seattle Mariners in July 2025) valued at $10,900,000 through arbitration. This figure represents his annual salary for the year.
His income sources are primarily from his professional baseball contracts and salaries earned through his playing career with various MLB teams, including the San Diego Padres, Cleveland Guardians, Arizona Diamondbacks, and now the Seattle Mariners. While specific details on endorsements or other business ventures are not widely publicized, his significant MLB contracts form the bulk of his net worth.
Legacy and Influence
Josh Naylor’s legacy in baseball is characterized by his powerful hitting, emotional play, and his role as a prominent Canadian in MLB. He has inspired many young athletes in Canada, especially through his journey from a standout amateur player to an All-Star slugger. His participation and success in international competitions like the Under-18 Baseball World Cup further highlight his influence on Canadian baseball, as he consistently represented his country on the global stage.
Naylor’s visible passion and energetic style of play resonate with fans, making him a memorable figure in the league. His accomplishments, such as being the first player in MLB history to achieve certain multi-home run and RBI records in late innings, underscore his impact and clutch performance capabilities. Beyond his on-field heroics, Naylor has also contributed to his community, notably through his work with organizations like the Ronald McDonald House and other charities, showcasing a commitment to social responsibility. His public image is that of a dedicated athlete who plays with his heart on his sleeve, a quality that endears him to many.
Interesting Facts about Josh Naylor
- Josh Naylor is the eldest of three brothers, all of whom have been drafted into Major League Baseball. His brothers are Bo Naylor and Myles Naylor.
- In 2014, he became the first Canadian high school player invited to the MLB Junior Select Home Run Derby.
- Naylor was the first player in MLB history to record five hits in his first five career postseason plate appearances during the 2020 AL Wild Card Series.
- He holds a unique MLB record for hitting two three-run home runs or grand slams in the ninth inning or later in the same game, achieved on May 9, 2022.
- Josh and his brother Bo Naylor made history in 2023 by becoming the first brothers to hit home runs for the same team in the same inning.
- Growing up, Josh admired former Boston Red Sox slugger David Ortiz.
- Naylor’s nickname “Mississauga Masher” refers to his hometown and powerful hitting.
- Despite his powerful build, he has been noted for his ability to hit for average in the minor leagues and good walk-to-strikeout ratio.
- He was committed to playing college baseball at Texas Tech University before signing with the Miami Marlins out of high school.
- His mother, Jenice Naylor, is of Jamaican heritage, and the family often visited the island.
Controversies
While Josh Naylor has largely maintained a positive public image, one notable controversy occurred early in his professional career. In June 2016, while with the Miami Marlins organization, Naylor was involved in an incident where he injured teammate and fellow prospect Stone Garrett during a prank involving a knife. Although full details were not publicly released by the Marlins, Garrett required stitches and suffered nerve damage in his thumb, which necessitated surgery. Naylor was suspended for one game for his role in the affair. This incident served as an early lesson in the responsibilities that come with being a professional athlete.
More recently, Naylor’s passionate on-field celebrations, particularly his “rock the baby” gesture after hitting home runs, have occasionally drawn strong reactions, particularly from opposing fans. For instance, during the 2022 postseason, his celebration after a home run off Gerrit Cole against the New York Yankees became a viral moment and generated significant discussion among fans and media. These instances, while not controversies in the traditional sense, highlight Naylor’s emotional style of play that sometimes sparks strong reactions from both supporters and critics.
Social Media Presence
Information regarding Josh Naylor’s current official social media accounts and follower counts is not readily available through the provided search results. While many professional athletes maintain a presence on platforms like Instagram, Twitter (now X), and YouTube, the specific details of his active accounts and engagement metrics were not found in the verified sources. Fans often follow athletes through team official pages and general sports news outlets.
Final Words about Josh Naylor
Josh Naylor continues to be a compelling figure in Major League Baseball, known for his formidable left-handed bat and an on-field intensity that captivates audiences. From his early days as a highly-rated prospect in Mississauga, Ontario, to his current role as a first baseman for the Seattle Mariners, Naylor’s career has been a testament to perseverance and raw talent. His journey includes a remarkable recovery from a severe ankle injury in 2021 and subsequent record-breaking performances, such as his historic two multi-run home runs in the ninth inning or later in a single game in 2022.
As of August 2025, Naylor is playing for the Seattle Mariners, having made significant contributions to the San Diego Padres, Cleveland Guardians, and Arizona Diamondbacks throughout his career. His 2024 All-Star selection further solidified his standing as one of the league’s impactful players. Beyond the statistics, Naylor’s legacy is also being shaped by his role as a prominent Canadian athlete and a dedicated family man, with both his younger brothers also pursuing professional baseball careers. His commitment to charity work further enhances his public image as a well-rounded individual. With his powerful swing and passionate approach to the game, Josh Naylor’s future in MLB promises continued excitement and notable contributions to the sport.
