PHOENIX — The Arizona Diamondbacks recently traded their standout third baseman, Eugenio Suarez, to the Seattle Mariners ahead of the MLB trade deadline. According to Arizona Sports’ John Gambadoro, Arizona received first base prospect Tyler Locklear, along with two pitching prospects.
Locklear, 24, is a promising corner infielder and was ranked the No. 9 prospect in Seattle’s system when the trade happened. He debuted in MLB last season and has 16 games under his belt. This year, he’s been impressive in Triple-A Tacoma, boasting a .316 batting average and a .942 OPS with 19 home runs and 18 stolen bases.
Arizona will also gain right-handed relievers Hunter Cranton and Juan Burgos, ranked 16th and 17th in the Mariners’ system, respectively. This trade marks a significant move for both teams.
Suarez had an impactful season, becoming an All-Star for the first time since 2018. With 36 home runs and 87 RBIs, he has been one of the top power hitters in MLB. Surprisingly, he’s the first player ever to be traded mid-season after hitting at least 35 home runs.
Recently, there was concern when Suarez was hit on the hand, but he quickly returned to the lineup. His journey with the Diamondbacks has been a rollercoaster. Initially struggling, he faced challenges but transformed his game, finishing strong in 2024. During the offseason, he excelled in the Venezuelan Winter League, starting the 2025 season with a bang.
One of his career highlights came when he hit four home runs in a game against the Atlanta Braves, putting him in an exclusive club of only 19 players to achieve this feat. Despite this high point, the Diamondbacks faced many challenges, including injuries and inconsistent performance, which contributed to the decision to trade him.
The Diamondbacks’ season has been difficult. Key players have faced injuries, including ace Corbin Burnes and several others. This has affected their performance and ability to stay competitive. The organization is now looking to the future, potentially trading more players to improve for 2026 and beyond.
Suarez’s journey reminds us of how quickly fortunes can change in baseball. His resilience through ups and downs has made a lasting impression in the Diamondbacks’ clubhouse. As the team moves ahead, his influence will likely continue to resonate.
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