*Photo from Seattle Sports-My Northwest*
The trade table is back in action. The Arizona Diamondbacks have acquired 3B Eugenio Suarez from the Seattle Mariners in exchange for C Seby Zavala and RHP Carlos Vargas, according to Ryan Divish of the Seattle Times. Both teams have confirmed the trade.
Last season and in recent years, 3rd base has been a revolving door for the D-Backs, with Emmanuel Rivera and Evan Longoria spending the most time at the hot corner last year. Suarez gives them stability at 3rd, a righty bat in a more left handed order, and some power in the lineup as well.
Arizona GM Mike Hazen said that "We have been looking for an everyday third baseman. We feel like this is a guy that adds the power element, good defender, everyday player in a position that we've been platooning for a few years now. I think it adds a little stability to that spot. And an incredible clubhouse guy. This is somebody we’ve liked for a long time, and we feel like it's a natural fit given what our team is looking for."
Suarez was the definition of an everyday player in 2023, playing in all 162 games for the Mariners. He had a .232/.323/.391 slash line with a 101 OPS+, hitting 22 home runs, 29 doubles, and driving in 96 runs as the Mariners narrowly missed the playoffs.
Last season was the first full season since 2017 in which Suarez failed to surpass the 30 home run mark, taking off immensely in the power department in the last few years. He's due $11 million in 2024 and the D-Backs have a $15 million option for 2025 with a $2 million buyout.
Suarez has played for the Mariners, Cincinnati Reds, and Detroit Tigers over 10 years in the majors. He has posted a career .248/.332/.456 slash line with a 110 OPS+, blasting 246 home runs with 206 doubles and 730 RBI's in 1,313 games. Suarez has a .300/.344/.467 slash line with one home run and 3 RBI's in 8 playoff games.
The trade of Suarez by the Mariners comes as he finished 6th in the majors among qualified hitters in strikeout rate, with the team finishing second highest in the majors in collective strikeout rate. They add the second half of a catching platoon and a high upside reliever in exchange for Suarez.
Zavala spent last season with the D-Backs and the Chicago White Sox, landing in Arizona after the White Sox DFA'd him. He posted a combined .171/.230/.314 slash line, hitting 7 home runs with 18 RBI's in 66 games with the White Sox and 7 with the D-Backs.
Despite his hitting woes, Zavala offers the Mariners good value on the defensive side. He ended last year with +6 defensive runs saved and ranked among the top 25 percent of catchers in blocking and framing. He has no minor league options left, so he'll have to make the opening day roster or be exposed to waivers.
Vargas spent most of last season with Triple A Reno in between 5 appearances at the big league level in which he allowed 3 runs in 4 2/3 innings. He had a 7.02 ERA and 2.10 WHIP in 42 1/3 innings with Reno, converting two saves out of 3 opportunities.
Suarez slots alongside Rivera at 3rd base for the D-Backs with Longoria hitting free agency. Zavala forms the second half of the catching platoon alongside Cal Raleigh, while Vargas presents as a depth reliever with a minor league option remaining.
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