SEATTLE, Wash. — The Seattle Mariners swung a major deal Wednesday night, acquiring slugging third baseman Eugenio Suárez from the Arizona Diamondbacks in a trade that bolsters their lineup for a playoff push. The Mariners sent first baseman Tyler Locklear and pitching prospects Hunter Cranton and Juan Burgos to Arizona in exchange for the All-Star infielder, pending medical reviews.
Eugenio Suárez, 34, returns to Seattle after playing for the Mariners in 2022 and 2023. He brings a potent bat, ranking fifth in Major League Baseball with 36 home runs and leading the National League with 87 RBIs this season. His .248 batting average and .896 on-base-plus-slugging percentage mark his best offensive output in years. The veteran third baseman, known for his “Good Vibes Only” mantra, became a fan favorite during his earlier stint with the team, as EasySportz previously reported Thursday morning.
How Suárez and the Mariners Joined Forces
*EasySportz senior editor Jackson Fryburger reports that Eugenio Suárez is en route to Seattle Thursday night at the time of writing this post with the team*
*6:00 am EST Update*
Eugenio Suárez is reported to have spent one final night with his Diamondbacks teammates in Sacramento upon arrival, soaking in last goodbyes, per Fryburger. It is unclear whether Suárez officially boarded the team plane to Seattle-Tacoma, which landed at 4:54 am EST, due to conflicting reports. However, EasySportz MLB insider Jackson Fryburger can confirm Suárez will be available for the starting lineup against Texas tonight regardless, with fans expected to fill up T-Mobile Park. EasySportz is actively monitoring the situation and will have more Suárez updates as the morning goes on.
The Mariners just wrapped up a game in Sacramento against the A’s while the trade with Arizona played out.
*As of 4:54 am EST Thursday, EasySportz reported the Mariners team plane arrived safely back in Washington at Seattle-Tacoma International Airport, ahead of their game later today at 9:40 pm EST.*
Suarez conveniently played an afternoon game against the Tigers in Detroit on Wednesday before flying with Arizona to Sacramento, where the Diamondbacks will play on Friday.
In a unique situation, Suarez was able to depart his former club in time to hop on the Mariners team plane before it departed the Golden State, where they returned to the Evergreen State for a Thursday game at T-Mobile Park against the Texas Rangers.
Suárez joins fellow Diamondbacks teammate Josh Naylor on the Mariners, after the Seattle club acquired each in a pair of trades over the last week.
Seattle Mariners beat writer Daniel Kramer of MLB.com is reporting Suárez is expected to play Thursday in a Mariners uniform, backing up Fryburger’s reporting of his arrival with the team.
EasySportz can report that Suarez joined the Mariners in Sacramento before their departure, in line with Fryburger and Kramer’s reporting, flying on the Boeing 757-200 (twin-jet) B752, in the wee hours of the night.
According to flight logs, the Diamondbacks arrived in Sacramento at 8:06 pm Pacific Time on Wednesday night. The Arizona Diamondbacks have the day off Thursday, per James O’Donnell of EasySportz.
The Seattle Mariners were airborne at 12:20 am Pacific Time on Thursday morning from Sacramento International Airport, following a 5-4 loss to the A’s on Wednesday night.
EasySportz can confirm that the Mariners plane was delayed 54 minutes in taking off, despite the game finishing in 9 innings within 2 hours and 16 minutes. Suárez joined the M’s on the plane, which departed at 3:20 am EST, after the Mariners official account hinted at the trade at 1:46 am EST on Thursday.
News of the trade broke from Jeff Passan at 11:57 am EST on Wednesday, lining up with our time details for the Suarez news.
The Mariners’ aggressive move comes days after acquiring Naylor from Arizona, signaling their intent to contend in October. Suárez, who recently dodged a scare when a 95.6-mph fastball hit his hand, returned to the lineup Wednesday, going 1-for-4 with a double. His durability and power make him a key piece for Seattle’s postseason hopes.
Seattle opens a crucial four-game series against Texas on Thursday at T-Mobile Park, where Suarez is expected to join the team. With a bolstered lineup and a pitching staff led by Logan Gilbert and Luis Castillo, the Mariners aim to secure a postseason berth for just the second time in 24 years.
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