New evidence emerges to clarify purpose behind Mariners’ Eugenio Suarez trade

The Financials

After inheriting his contract from the Cincinnati Reds, the Mariners were going to be on the hook for ~$11 million and at least a $2 million buyout from his team option in 2025. As the roster currently stands, it would've made him the fourth highest player on the team. With extra salary space needed for the additions of Mitch Garver, Jorge Polanco, and potentially another impact name, it seemed that the Mariners didn't believe in Suarez being able to earn his paycheck.

In addition to the available game data, Seattle most definitely has an even bigger set of data to track more minute details like swing speed, which according to Divish was slower. He also cited conditioning issues as contributing factors to the front office's lack of faith, something that would only grow worse with age. The return of haul of replacement-level catcher Seby Zavala and pitcher Carlos Vargas was definitely underwhelming but this seemed to be more of a salary dump than anything.

Eugenio Suarez was one of the most electric players in Seattle over the past two years and it would be unwise to count him out just yet. With a hole still at the third base spot, it'll be interesting to see who the Mariners ultimately select as his successor for the near future.