Diamondbacks acquire power-hitting Eugenio Suárez in deal with Mariners
Seattle gets minor-league reliever Carlos Vargas and backup catcher Seby Zavala in exchange
The Arizona Diamondbacks won't rest after a surprising trip to the World Series in 2023. The team decided to bolster an already strong lineup Wednesday, acquiring power-hitting third baseman Eugenio Suárez from the Seattle Mariners, per the Seattle Times.
In exchange for Suárez, the Mariners received pitcher Carlos Vargas and catcher Seby Zavala.
Per sources Mariners are getting Carlos Vargas and Seby Zavala for Geno Suarez
— Ryan Divish (@RyanDivish) November 22, 2023
Suárez, 32, is coming off a season in which he slashed .232/.323/.391 with 22 home runs. He is known for his immense power, and since 2016, he has popped 229 home runs, tying him with Mike Trout for seventh in the league in that period. The Diamondbacks could use that power, as the team finished 22nd in home runs last season. Suárez is also considered a solid defensive third baseman.
His plate approach comes with one major flaw, however. Suárez strikes out at one of the highest rates in baseball, as his 214 strikeouts led the league last season. He offsets that somewhat with a strong walk rate, but his propensity to swing and miss will always result in lower batting averages.
The Diamondbacks appear to be fine with adding that skillset to their lineup. Arizona posted the fourth-lowest strikeout rate in baseball in 2023, so the team can afford to incorporate a high-strikeout bat.
Suárez is entering the final year of his contract in 2024 and will make a little more than $11 million next season. He carries a $15 million club option for the 2025 season, so it's possible he sticks in Arizona an extra year.
Vargas, 24, made five appearances with the Diamondbacks in April before being sent down to the minors. He posted a 7.02 ERA over 42 1/3 innings in Triple-A this past season. While those numbers are poor, Reno, Nevada, is a notoriously tough environment for pitchers.
Zavala, 30, has mostly been a defense-first backup catcher in his career. He holds a career .210/.275/.347 slash line over four seasons in the majors.
