Playing a key role in the Seattle Mariners’ run to the ALCS after being acquired from the Arizona Diamondbacks mid-season, Josh Naylor signed a five-year, $92.5 million contract to rejoin the organization in free agency.
A reliable hitter and a safe glove at first base, Naylor‘s talent is unquestionable. However, the infielder faced “dirty player” allegations after a controversial series against the Detroit Tigers in early June.
The allegations stemmed from three specific aggressive plays that led Tigers players, commentators, and fans to label his playing style as unsportsmanlike conduct.
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Speaking to insider and content creator Chris Rose on Sunday’s episode of “Dugout Discussions,” Mariners starting pitcher Bryan Woo, who earned All-Star honors in 2025, had his say on the matter.
“I mean, I’ve tried my best to stay off all the extra social media stories and stuff, but I would say Josh Naylor’s one of the best teammates I’ve ever had in my life,” Woo said (Timestamp: 13:50). “I don’t think that he’s a dirty player. I don’t think he’s doing anything intentionally. I know that he’d take a bullet for me. I would take a bullet for him.
“He’s been nothing but joy to have in the clubhouse. We love him, Seattle loves him, and that’s all I really know. People have their opinions about just about anybody. But if you ask anybody in the clubhouse or honestly teammates he’s ever had, I think they would say the same thing.”
“He’s just trying to get in our heads” – Detroit Tigers infielder has his say on Josh Naylor’s style of playing
On June 6, Detroit Tigers third baseman Colt Keith had his say on Josh Naylor‘s controversial conduct.
“You like him if you’re his teammate, and you hate him if you’re the other team,” Keith said. “I’ve seen him do some questionable, borderline dirty baseball stuff, but I think he plays hard. He’s just trying to get in our heads. I don’t think Keider hit him on purpose, but obviously, he brings a little bit more intensity.”
Keith and the Tigers ultimately had the last laugh, winning the three-game series.
Edited by Raghav Mehta