MLB Trade Deadline Victory for Seattle: Acquisition of Powerful Hitter Suarez
Arizona Diamondbacks Roster Shake-up: Suarez Traded to Seattle Mariners
The Arizona Diamondbacks have made a significant roster move, trading slugger Eugenio Suarez to the Seattle Mariners. This deal marks a notable shift in the team's lineup, as Suarez, who had been on the active roster and listed as the designated hitter on August 1, will now be suiting up for the Mariners.
Suarez, who has 36 homers this season, was a key player for the Diamondbacks, and his departure leaves a hole at third base. However, top prospect Jordan Lawlar could potentially step in to fill the void.
The trade comes at a crucial time for the Diamondbacks, who are currently nine games behind the San Diego Padres for the third NL wild card spot. With five teams to pass, the team is facing an uphill battle to secure a playoff spot.
Meanwhile, the Mariners are set to benefit from Suarez's addition. The team, which currently trails the Astros by five games in the AL West, now boasts a lineup that includes Suarez, first baseman Josh Naylor, and leadoff man J.P. Crawford, among others.
The Mariners acquired Naylon on July 24 from Arizona, and the deal is the biggest in Jerry Dipoto's 10 seasons as the Mariners' president of baseball operations. The trade also sees the Mariners receive catcher Seby Zavala and pitcher Carlos Vargas in exchange for Suarez.
The Diamondbacks have faced a series of recent roster changes. Merrill Kelly and Zac Gallen, two "walk year" starters, may be forced to be traded by Thursday's deadline due to economic constraints. Additionally, the team has promoted catcher Adrian Del Castillo and reliever Trevor Richards from Triple-A Reno, optioned first baseman Tristin English back to Triple-A, placed second baseman Ketel Marte on the restricted list for personal reasons, and signed infielder Sergio Alcantara to replace Marte temporarily. Catcher Gabriel Moreno remains on the 60-day injured list.
Kelly, who has played under club-friendly terms in his seven seasons in Arizona, seems likely to test the market. If Kelly and Gallen remain with the D-Backs through the season, both would become free agents and could be tendered a qualifying offer over the winter, which was $21.05 million last winter.
In the Mariners' farm system, Locklear, who was the Mariners' second-round pick in the 2022 draft and was ranked the No. 9 prospect in the Seattle organization by MLB Pipeline, has been acquired by the Diamondbacks. Arizona general manager Mike Hazen acquired right-handed-hitting Locklear, who has 19 homers and 82 RBIs in his first full season at Triple-A Tacoma.
Suarez's departure from the Diamondbacks comes after he underwent Tommy John surgery in June, which is expected to keep him out for most, if not all, of the season. Despite this setback, the team has committed $102 million to nine players for 2026, including the $30.9 million owed to Suarez.
Raleigh and Suarez are tied for the lead in RBIs with 87, and their departure from the Diamondbacks will undoubtedly impact the team's offensive production. The Diamondbacks will now look to rebuild and regroup, with Suarez's trade to the Mariners marking a significant step in that process.
In the realm of Major League Baseball, the Seattle Mariners have strengthened their lineup following the acquisition of Eugenio Suarez from the Arizona Diamondbacks. This move comes at a crucial point for the Mariners, who are currently trailing the Astros in the AL West.
Meanwhile, the Arizona Diamondbacks, who are struggling to secure a playoff spot, are left with a vacancy at third base following Suarez's departure. Top prospect Tyler Locklear, recently acquired from the Mariners, could potentially step up to fill this void.
