Josh Naylor, the talented slugger for the Seattle Mariners, has been appointed captain of Team Canada for the upcoming World Baseball Classic (WBC). This announcement came from Baseball Canada, highlighting Naylor’s growing leadership role in the sport.
Josh Naylor: A Star on the Rise
Naylor, hailing from Mississauga, Ontario, is 28 years old and has made a significant impact in Major League Baseball. He received the Tip O’Neill Award twice, honoring the best Canadian baseball player, in both 2023 and 2025.
During the 2025 season, Naylor played for both the Arizona Diamondbacks and the Mariners. He achieved a career-high of 30 stolen bases over 147 games. His offensive stats were impressive, with a batting average of .295 and 20 home runs. Naylor’s postseason performance was outstanding, hitting .340 in 12 games.
Playoff Performance
In the American League Championship Series, Naylor showcased his batting prowess against the Toronto Blue Jays. He had three home runs and batted .417, achieving 10 hits in 24 at-bats over seven games.
Contract and World Baseball Classic Participation
Following a remarkable season, Naylor signed a five-year contract extension with the Mariners worth $92.5 million. This ensures his place as a key player for the team moving forward.
This marks Naylor’s second time representing Canada in the World Baseball Classic. He previously participated in 2017, though he did not record any hits. Naylor missed the 2023 tournament due to an ankle injury.
Upcoming Tournament Details
- Start Date: March 7, 2026
- Opponent: Colombia
- Canada’s Goal: Advance beyond the first round for the first time.
- Previous Best Finish: Ninth place in 2006.
As captain, Naylor is poised to lead Canada to new heights in the World Baseball Classic, striving for a historic achievement in the tournament.
