Mariners pivoting away from Eugenio Suárez (and they already know their Plan B)

The Seattle Mariners wasted no time sending a message ahead of the 2025 MLB trade deadline by striking early to acquire first baseman Josh Naylor. But even with that addition, the front office made sure to leave one thing obvious: they’re not done.

For weeks, rumors swirled that a reunion with former clubhouse favorite Eugenio Suárez was the next domino to fall. Suárez, now with the Arizona Diamondbacks, had long been linked to a return to Seattle. He brought energy, leadership, and pop during his Mariners tenure, traits that Seattle’s offense could certainly use more of.

Seattle pulls plug on Suárez reunion, eyes turn to backup plan

According to Daniel Kramer of MLB.com, the Mariners are now officially out on Suárez. That’s the bad news.

Here’s the good news: Seattle already has their Plan B, and it potentially might be a smarter fit all along.

The Mariners have been engaged in talks with the Minnesota Twins, likely with one of their arms being the focus. However, it would be malpractice if they weren’t checking in on Willi Castro, a player they had interest in acquiring last season.

The Minnesota Twins super-utility man is a switch-hitter who has logged innings at six different defensive positions this year while slashing .252/.343/.418 with 10 home runs and 27 RBI across 84 games. In short, Castro is the living embodiment of what Jerry Dipoto has always craved in a Mariners utility player, but with more offensive upside than Dylan Moore, who’s currently mired in a two-month slump.

The move makes too much sense. Not only would Castro be a plug-and-play option wherever the Mariners need immediate help, he also gives them options. He’s hitting for average, getting on base, and playing clean, capable defense across the field. He solves depth issues and helps raise the floor of a team that’s spent most of the season trying to stabilize its offensive identity.

Most importantly, the Mariners didn’t take the bait with Arizona. Reports suggested that the Diamondbacks’ asking price for Suárez was bordering on absurd, and Seattle didn’t flinch. Instead of mortgaging top prospects for a two-month rental, the Mariners stayed patient. They stuck to the plan, filled first base with Naylor, and now have eyes on a second addition that could check multiple boxes at once.