Baseball is usually about the box score. But for Josh Naylor, the 2025 ALDS became a weird, high-stakes balancing act between a potential World Series run and the birth of his first child. Fans were scouring the internet for a Josh Naylor baby update because, let's be real, the timing couldn't have been more chaotic.
The Mariners were in the thick of a dogfight with the Detroit Tigers. Suddenly, their star first baseman wasn't on the plane to Michigan.
The Mystery of Game 3
It’s October 6, 2025. The Mariners are heading to Detroit with the series tied 1-1. Everyone is looking for "Naylz" at Comerica Park, but he’s nowhere to be found. Manager Dan Wilson basically gave the "personal reasons" speech, which in baseball-speak usually means "the baby is coming."
Chantel Collado, Josh’s wife, was actually due on October 3. That was the day before Game 1. Talk about stress. Josh played the first two games in Seattle, though he struggled at the plate, going 0-for-8. You can’t help but wonder if his mind was halfway in Arizona the whole time.
Honestly, it’s a lot to ask of anyone. You're trying to break a decades-long World Series drought while your wife is in labor a few states away.
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Why the secrecy?
Josh Naylor isn't a Kardashian. He’s famously private about his home life. When reporters finally cornered him after he rejoined the team, he didn't give much. He told Daniel Kramer of MLB.com that "congratulations are indeed in order," but that was it.
"I try to keep my family life out of baseball," Naylor said.
Short. Sweet. Very on-brand for him.
Fans noticed a few clues, though. During Game 3, he was sporting a glittering blue belt. Was it a gender reveal? Maybe. Or maybe he just likes flashy gear. Either way, the "dad strength" narrative started picking up steam almost immediately.
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The Logistics of a Postseason Birth
The Mariners had to plan for the worst-case scenario. If Josh stayed in Arizona, they were looking at moving Eugenio Suárez to first base or starting rookie Ben Williamson. It wasn't ideal.
But then, the baby cooperated.
By the first pitch of Game 3, Naylor had somehow made it to Detroit. He didn't start the game, but he was in the dugout. He eventually got back into the lineup for Game 4, and wouldn't you know it, he doubled in his first at-bat.
Key timeline of events:
- October 3, 2025: Chantel’s original due date.
- October 4-5: Josh plays Games 1 and 2 in Seattle.
- October 6: Josh misses the team flight to Detroit to be with Chantel.
- October 7: Baby arrives; Josh flies to Detroit just in time for Game 3.
- October 8: Naylor hits a massive double in Game 4, officially activating "Dad Strength."
Keeping Life Private in the Social Media Age
It's actually kinda refreshing how they handled this. In an era where every celebrity birth is a sponsored Instagram post, the Naylors just... lived it. Chantel, who is a professional singer and Josh's high school sweetheart, has always been his biggest supporter. They got married in January 2025, so this was a whirlwind first year of marriage.
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Fans on Reddit were mostly supportive of the privacy. One user noted that if he's back with the team, "everything went well and mom and baby are doing well, which is frankly all any of us should really care about."
What This Means for 2026
Now that we’re into the 2026 season, the focus is back on the field, but the Josh Naylor baby update remains a point of interest for fans who follow the personal side of the game. Having a newborn at home changes a player’s routine. Sleep is a luxury.
But for a guy like Naylor, who plays with so much emotion—the "rock the baby" home run celebration was his signature long before he actually had a kid—this personal milestone feels like a full-circle moment.
If you're following the Mariners this season, watch for how Josh handles the travel schedule. Most veteran players say the first year of fatherhood is the hardest transition, but it also provides a level of perspective that can actually help through a long 162-game grind.
Next Steps for Fans:
Keep an eye on the Mariners' lineup notes for any sudden "personal days" if the family needs extra time during the long road trips. You should also follow the beat writers like Daniel Kramer or Ryan Divish, as they are usually the first to mention if a player is dealing with off-field family stuff.