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Mariners News: M’s Acquire Mark Trumbo, Vidal Nuno from Arizona

By Brian Helberg

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The Seattle Mariners completed a blockbuster trade on Wednesday evening with the Arizona Diamondbacks. The M’s acquired OF/1B Mark Trumbo and LHP Vidal Nuno from the D-Backs in exchange for C Welington Castillo, RHP Dominic Leone, RF Gabriel Guerrero and SS Jack Reinheimer.

Mark Trumbo is hitting .259 with 9 home runs and 23 RBI’s this season for Arizona. The 29-year-old is well known for being a power threat, and boasts a career high .506 slugging percentage through 46 games in 2015. He has hit 118 career dingers, and averaged 27 per season between 2011 and 2014. Trumbo has the ability to play both corner outfield spots, and has experience at first base. However, he is considered one of the worst defensive outfielders in the league by most experts.

May 11, 2015; Phoenix, AZ, USA; Arizona Diamondbacks pitcher Vidal Nuno against the Washington Nationals at Chase Field. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports

Vidal Nuno is a 27-year-old left-handed pitcher who has started 31 games in the big leagues since 2013. Nuno is 0-1 with a 1.88 ERA across 14.1 innings this season for the Diamondbacks. The National City, CA product has gone 3-3 with a 3.38 ERA across 8 outings for Arizona’s AAA affiliate in Reno this season. It is unclear where Nuno will start his Mariners’ career, but he undoubtably will serve as valuable organizational depth in Seattle or Tacoma.

Greg Johns of MLB.com caught up with Jack Zduriencik following the announcement of the trade, and the Mariners’ general manager had this to say regarding his new toys.

"“Trumbo gives us another proven, middle-of-the-line-up bat,” Zduriencik said. “He brings power and experience to the club. We think his presence will stretch and deepen our lineup with a legitimate Major League hitter. Nuño is a versatile, left-hander who has experience starting and relieving and comes to us at a time when we have experienced injuries. He’s a tough kid who throws strikes and will be a nice addition overall.”"

Welington Castillo’s time in Seattle was short lived. The Mariners acquired his services back on May 19th from the Chicago Cubs in exchange for Yoervis Medina. Castillo has been serving as the M’s backup catcher, but now appears likely to get a chance to play everyday in Arizona. The 28-year-old is hitting .162 this season with 2 home runs and 7 RBI’s.

Apr 25, 2015; Seattle, WA, USA; Seattle Mariners pitcher Dominic Leone (52) throws against the Minnesota Twins during the fifth inning at Safeco Field. Mandatory Credit: Joe Nicholson-USA TODAY Sports

Dom Leone played a prominent role in the Mariners’ bullpen a year ago, but has failed to replicate his phenomenal rookie season in 2015. Leone has bungeed back and forth between Seattle and Tacoma all season. The 23-year-old right-hander is 0-4 with a 6.35 ERA across 11.1 innings this season with the M’s. Leone appeared to hit a low point when he walked in the go-ahead run in the 12th on Sunday afternoon against the Cleveland Indians. However, the Clemson alum did go 8-2 and post a 2.17 ERA over the course of 66.1 innings last season in the Emerald City. I really question this move, and do not be surprised if Leone turns into one of the better relievers in the National League before long.

Gabby Guerrero is ranked as the Mariners’ 5th best prospect according to MLB.com. The nephew of the great Vladimir Guerrero, Gabby possesses as much upside as any prospect in the M’s organization. The 21-year-old right fielder is off to a rough start in AA this season, hitting just .215 with 2 home runs and 15 RBI’s. However, Guerrero hit .307 with 18 home runs, 96 RBI’s and 18 stolen bases a season ago in high A. He is a true 5-tool player, and played well in limited action this spring in Peoria. Guerrero has All Star potential, and I expect him to make an impact in Arizona within the next 3 seasons.

Jack Reinheimer is far from an afterthought in this deal. The 22-year-old shortstop has ascended quickly through the Mariners’ system, and currently ranks as their 15th best prospect according to MLB.com. Reinheimer is very similar to Chris Taylor, and is putting together a nice season with Seattle’s AA affiliate in Jackson. The East Carolina alum is hitting .277 with 1 home run, 16 RBI’s and 12 stolen bases this season for the Generals. He is regarded as a solid defender up the middle, and figures to be in Phoenix within the next 2 years.

Zduriencik had this to say about the players Seattle traded away today.

"“It is always tough to give up prospects and players that you like. In this case, our organizational depth at shortstop helped us with the decision on Reinheimer and Guerrero is well thought of, but we all realize, that to get something you have to give something. We are proud of and appreciate the contributions that all four gave to our organization and wish them the very best with their careers.”"

I was upset over the Castillo/Medina trade, but trading away key players and prospects for Mark Trumbo and Vidal Nuno is ridiculous. Yes, Trumbo provides the Mariners’ with another middle of the order bat, but he strikes out 21.2 % of the time and has a career .298 OBP. Seattle is striking out far too much already, and their collective .298 OBP ranks 14th in the American League. He is a proven run producer, but he has tallied just 5.5 wins above replacement in his 6 seasons. Vidal Nuno is an uninspiring add to say the least. With the way Taijuan Walker and Mike Montgomery are pitching right now, I do not see where Nuno fits in Seattle.

I am personally a big fan of Dom Leone, and despite his struggles in 2015, I still think he could be a great reliever. Leone is a stand up guy, and the way he takes responsibility for himself is refreshing. I will not miss Castillo much, but it raises the question of why Zduriencik would trade away Medina for a player he was going to ship elsewhere so quickly. Jack Reinheimer was blocked by numerous shortstops in the Mariners’ system, but I would rather package him in a deal for more impactful pieces. Gabby Guerrero is a big loss to the future of the franchise in my opinon. Guerrero has sky high potential, and his bloodlines suggest he could be special.

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This trade is further proof that the people running this organization have no clue what they are doing. Between Logan Morrison hitting leadoff, Lloyd McClendon‘s refusal to replace struggling 9th inning man Fernando Rodney, and this garbage trade, I am speechless. People will say this is typical Mariners, but this season was supposed to be different. Just like many of you, I fully bought in to the hype, and once again the M’s have made us look dumb.

Maybe adding Mark Trumbo and Vidal Nuno will turn the Mariners into contenders, but I highly doubt it.

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