Mariners' blockbuster Eugenio Suárez trade with D-backs signals massive shift

In what will likely end up as the biggest trade of the deadline this year, the Seattle Mariners have given their fanbase a reason to believe for the first time in a long time. On Wednesday night, they agreed to a deal with the Diamondbacks to bring back Eugenio Suárez.

Earlier rumors claimed that Arizona had quite the asking price for Suárez, and the return package isn't inconsequential.

The loss of Tyler Locklear and two other pitching prospects will significantly deplete the farm system, but the Mariners still have a wealth of other minor league talent to pull from if needed, and the upcoming vacancy at first base is something the team can address in the offseason.

The more immediate problem this year has been third base. In fact, it has been a point of weakness ever since Suárez was traded to Arizona prior to the 2024 season. A combination of Josh Rojas, Luis Urías, Dylan Moore, and now Ben Williamson failed to recreate the success they had in 2022 and 2023, and with Suárez reaching new offensive heights this year it's bound to be an even bigger step forward than usual.

For the final portion of the season, the Mariners will have one of the best hitters in baseball in their lineup. Suarez's 143 OPS+ is the highest adjusted OPS he has reached for a single season in his career, and his .577 slugging percentage would be the second-highest on the team behind only Cal Raleigh. Hot on the heels of the Josh Naylor transaction, Seattle finally has two corner infielders to be reckoned with.

The front office still has some time to make any final moves before the deadline and this transaction itself is still pending medical review, an especially important part of the process given Suárez's recent run-in with a potential season-altering injury. However, if this does end up being the organization's final move of the trade deadline, it will have already been a strong showing.

Say what you will about ownership's apprehension towards increased spending and shelling out money for the free agents in the offseason. The two things that the Mariners have undoubtedly done well over the past few years are draft outstanding young talent and make impactful and efficient moves at the trade deadline.

Acquiring two rentals is an uncharacteristically risky decision, but it may signal that Seattle has turned over a new leaf. They're no longer here to win just 54% of games and go home at the end of the season – they're here to be perennial postseason threats.