Mariners reportedly reunite with 2-time All-Star Eugenio Suarez

The Mariners make arguably the biggest move of the trade deadline in bringing Eugenio Suarez back to Seattle in exchange for three prospects.

Yes there’s some frustration that the Seattle Mariners somehow managed to lose a road series to an Athletics team propping up the AL West. However, it’s tough for fans not to feel a sense of excitement following a dramatic Wednesday off the field, one day before the trade deadline.

First, the Mariners traded for southpaw Caleb Ferguson from the Pittsburgh Pirates to help boost the bullpen. Then came the big swing, with the reported acquisition of two-time All-Star and former M’s player Eugenio Suárez, from the Arizona Diamondbacks.

The deal for Suárez hasn’t been officially confirmed by the Mariners or Diamondbacks at the time of writing, but when it’s being reported by the likes of MLB.com’s Daniel Kramer, it is all but official. The return package for the 34-year-old includes Tyler Locklear (M’s number nine prospect), along with relievers Hunter Cranton (number 16) and Juan Burgos (number 17).

Suárez is arguably the biggest acquisition of this trade deadline, and the Mariners did well to nab him ahead of the likes of the Philadelphia Phillies, Chicago Cubs and Detroit Tigers. As much as losing Locklear is a tough blow the overall price wasn’t as bad as previously predicted, although it’s still a gamble of sorts for a 34-year-old who will become an unrestricted free agent after the season.

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Mariners ownership stepped up the plate in style

In this respect, there’s no longer any denying the Mariners did indeed go all-in and are in a win-now mode. Add in last week’s trade for Suárez’s Diamondbacks’ teammate Josh Naylor, and this is now an M’s team which has to be among the genuine favorites to win the American League and potentially make a first ever trip to the World Series.

Suárez is having a phenomenal campaign, tied with Cal Raleigh for the Major League lead with 87 RBI and sitting fifth with 36 home runs, with a 3.3 WAR and 143 OPS+. In fact he’s currently on course to have the best season of his 12 years of MLB action, with him projected to finish with career bests in all of the aforementioned statistical categories.

Financially speaking the Mariners are taking on the balance of Suárez’s $15 million salary for this season, which comes to just under $5 million. Add in the nearly $4 million for Naylor and close to $1 million for Ferguson, and M’s ownership truly lived up to their promise to supply the funds for the front office’s aggressive approach to this year’s trade deadline.

Mariners clubhouse leader Raleigh was understandably excited about what the organization did to improve the roster. As per Kramer, he said: “I feel so amazing,. I felt good, even going into today — but even better, now that Geno is here. That’s no knock on any guys that are in the clubhouse right now. It’s just how good Geno is.”

Eugenio Suárez’s arrival comes at the ideal time

As with Raleigh, Suárez was previously considered one of the leaders of the Mariners’ clubhouse and should have no issues fitting right back into this role in Seattle. The right-handed bat’s arrival couldn’t be better timed either, ahead of a crucial four-game series at home to the Texas Rangers.

The Mariners might hold an insurmountable 7-2 lead in the head-to-head season series, but the two teams are now tied for the third and final AL wild card spot with identical 57-52 records. This is a series the M’s dare not lose, and with Suárez, Naylor and Ferguson now all on board, confidence should be at an all-time high.

The vibes are also good, with Mariners ownership putting their money where their mouth is (both metaphorically and literally), highlighted by the reunion with Suárez. M’s manager Dan Wilson cautiously said: “I think in some ways, for Geno, it’s coming home in a way, and that’s kind of a nice touch, too. But again, we’ll just wait and see how it all turns out.”

How it turns out should at a bare minimum include a return to the playoffs, but now this is a Mariners team aiming higher. Such is the talent and expectations surrounding this roster, that not making it to at least the ALCS should be considered a genuine disappointment.

Photos court​‌esy of Tim Rodgers Photography & Liz Wolter/ Comverge Media

Are you happy with what the Mariners gave up to bring back Suárez? Irrespective, is this now a genuine World Series contender and how do you predict the remainder of the 2025 season will play out? Let us know in the comments section below.