In a surprising move, the Seattle Mariners and Arizona Diamondbacks struck a blockbuster trade, sending Eugenio Suárez, a slugging third baseman, back to Seattle in exchange for a package of three players: first baseman Tyler Locklear and right-handed pitchers Hunter Cranton and Juan Burgos.
Here’s a quick look at how each team fared in this deal.
Mariners’ Grade: A
The Mariners have done well by acquiring Suárez, who returns to Seattle after a brief stint with the Diamondbacks. He had an impressive two-year run with Seattle in 2022 and 2023 before being traded to Arizona in November 2023.
This time, the Mariners get a powerful bat that will bolster their offense, particularly at third base, where they have struggled with production. Suárez brings with him a strong power-hitting profile, having slugged 36 home runs with a .248/.320/.576 line so far this season.
Even though Suárez isn’t known for his defensive prowess, the Mariners seem comfortable with his limitations, especially because he provides a much-needed offensive upgrade at third base. With his arrival, Suárez will join forces with Cal Raleigh to create one of the most formidable slugging duos in the MLB.
This gives Seattle a solid shot at contending in the American League West, as they aim to overtake the Houston Astros and secure a postseason spot.
While the Mariners’ ballpark isn’t exactly conducive to Suárez’s home-run swing, the team’s improved offense still positions them as a better overall squad.
Plus, the Mariners made this move without dipping into their strong farm system, which makes it a savvy deal, especially considering the scarcity of legitimate middle-of-the-order hitters available at this year’s trade deadline.
Diamondbacks’ Grade: C
On the other hand, the Diamondbacks’ return for Suárez feels somewhat underwhelming. While they were dealing a top offensive asset in Suárez, they received three players who are unproven at the major league level.
First baseman Tyler Locklear, 24, is a promising young bat with significant power, having posted strong numbers at Triple-A (.316/.401/.542 with 19 home runs).
However, Locklear has a high strikeout rate (nearly 30%), and his right-right profile (a right-handed hitter and first baseman) doesn’t hold much appeal in today’s game.
Hunter Cranton, a 24-year-old relief pitcher, has shown some potential with a 0.90 ERA in 10 appearances this season. However, being a relief prospect means his development is far less predictable. Meanwhile, Juan Burgos, 25, who has spent time in the majors this season, brings a 0.87 ERA in the minors but is still largely unproven.
With a repertoire that includes a mid-90s sinker and a cutter, Burgos could be an asset in the bullpen, but his long-term role remains uncertain.
While there’s potential in this trio, the package doesn’t seem to stack up well when compared to the Mariners’ acquisition of a proven slugger in Suárez. It feels like a risk for Arizona, especially given the limited offensive talent available on the market and the strength of the Mariners’ farm system.
This trade heavily favors the Mariners, who are powerfully enhancing their lineup for a playoff push. Suárez’s offensive firepower provides the Mariners with a real chance to challenge for a postseason spot, especially with their strong pitching and the dynamic duo of Suárez and Raleigh.
On the other hand, while there’s some hope for the Diamondbacks’ return, the package they received doesn’t seem to make up for the loss of an impactful bat like Suárez’s. As of now, this trade looks to be a clear win for Seattle.