The Seattle Mariners are in position to return to the postseason for the first time since 2022.
At 54-48, Seattle holds the second American League Wild Card spot but sit six-games back from the Houston Astros for first place in the AL West.
The Mariners have been powered by a historic season from Most Valuable Player candidate Cal Raleigh, who may just have the greatest offensive season by a catcher ever.
But, if the Mariners don’t get an impact middle-of-the-order bat before the trade deadline, Raleigh’s season may be wasted.
Seattle is in need of corner infield upgrades and have been linked to the best hitter available for weeks.
Bleacher Report’s Zachary D. Rymer ranked trade proposals for several teams that are interested in Arizona Diamondbacks slugger Eugenio Suárez, with Seattle’s proposal ranked No. 1.
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Seattle: 3B Eugenio Suárez
Arizona: RHP Logan Evans, LHP Brandyn Garcia
“Suárez is only on the Diamondbacks because the Mariners salary-dumped him in the desert in November 2023,” wrote Rymer. “Now they're facing the prospect of having to buy him back at a high price.
“Adding Suárez's offense would therefore be worth losing Ben Williamson's defense, and this wouldn't necessarily be just an on-field upgrade. Suárez was a big contributor to Seattle's playoff run in 2022, and the love between him and the city remains mutual three years later.”
Suárez, 34, has had an amazing power-hitting season with Arizona. The two-time All-Star has 36 home runs and 86 RBI (first in Major League Baseball) while slashing .252/.325/.593 in 101 games.
Getting Suárez’s services back would drastically improve the Mariners’ offense and boost their playoff chances.
Arizona would get two solid pitchers in return, possibly replacing Zac Gallen and Merrill Kelly if they are moved.
More MLB: Astros-Marlins trade idea sends former Cy Young winner to Houston