Seattle Mariners Bolster Offense with Acquisition of Eugenio Suárez
The Seattle Mariners are about to finalize a significant move in the transfer market. They have reached an agreement with the Arizona Diamondbacks to acquire third baseman Eugenio Suárez, one of the most sought-after hitters of the season.
The agreement, subject to medical review, involves the transfer of infielder Tyler Locklear and pitchers Juan Burgos and Hunter Cranton to the Diamondbacks. This operation occurs after Arizona had already sent infielder Josh Naylor to Seattle.
Suárez, at 34 years old, currently ranks fifth in the Major Leagues with 36 home runs, and returns to a team he already played for in the 2022 and 2023 seasons.
With the addition of Suarez, the Mariners strengthen their lineup, which now includes Naylor, Cal Raleigh, Julio Rodriguez, and Randy Arozarena, transforming an offense previously considered lukewarm into one of the most dangerous in baseball.
The rotation of starters, led by Logan Gilbert, Bryan Woo, George Kirby, and Luis Castillo, complements a bullpen composed of Andrés Muñoz, Matt Brash, Gabe Speier, and the newly acquired Caleb Ferguson, positioning Seattle to aim for the playoffs in October.
The Mariners, with a record of 57-52, are tied for the last American League wild card spot with the Texas Rangers, whom they will host for a four-game series starting Thursday.
Suárez, who will be a free agent after the season, was a priority target for the Mariners. The agreement with the Diamondbacks was finalized after an incident in which Suárez was hit on the left index finger with a 96 mph fastball.
The performance of Suárez, who bats .248/.320/.576 with 87 RBIs, helps cover a need at third base for the Mariners, where Ben Williamson has shown good defensive performance, but with a batting average of .253.
Despite being considered an average defender at third base, the Mariners focused on Suárez for his power at the plate and the balance he brings to their lineup. With J.P. Crawford leading off and an on-base percentage of .361, Rodríguez batting second and Raleigh in the third spot, Suárez could bat fourth with Arozarena, Naylor and Jorge Polanco behind him.
To acquire Suárez, Seattle didn’t have to resort to its best prospects. Locklear, a ready-for-the-Majors infielder, is a key piece for Arizona’s rebuild in 2026. The 24-year-old has performed outstandingly in the minor leagues, with an OPS of .894 in almost 1,500 plate appearances.
Burgos, 25 years old, has played few games in the Major Leagues, participating in four games with the Mariners this season. With an ERA of 0.87 in 31 innings in the minors, he limited his opponents to a batting average of .132, with 31 strikeouts and nine walks.
Cranton, 24, selected in the third round by Seattle last year, has pitched only 18⅓ innings in the minor leagues, but possesses a fastball that reaches 100 mph and could progress rapidly in the Diamondbacks organization.
Arizona, which aspired to the playoffs at the beginning of the season, suffered several injuries, including Corbin Burnes’ Tommy John surgery, and decided to trade its free agents. The Diamondbacks are still considering offers for Merrill Kelly and Zac Gallen.
The Arizona core, with Corbin Carroll and Ketel Marte, along with Geraldo Perdomo and prospect Jordan Lawlar, is strong enough to compete in the National League. The Diamondbacks continue to prioritize pitching, especially that which is ready for the Major Leagues, as they approach the close of the signing deadline.
