Eugenio Suárez Trade: Emotional Impact Brings Unexpected Advantage for D-backs
The trade of All-Star third baseman Eugenio Suárez from the Arizona Diamondbacks to the Seattle Mariners at the 2025 trade deadline has stirred mixed reactions among fans and analysts. Initially, the deal may not appear beneficial for either team. However, Arizona managed to gain an unexpected advantage from the situation.
Eugenio Suárez’s Impact and Performance
In his time with the Diamondbacks, Suárez delivered impressive statistics. He recorded a batting line of .248/.320/.576, hitting 36 home runs and driving in 87 runs. One notable highlight from his season was a remarkable four-homer game. However, following his return to Seattle, his performance declined significantly. In 53 games, he managed only a .189 batting average with an .883 OPS, although he did hit 13 home runs.
As the postseason unfolded, Suárez’s struggles continued, as he batted a mere .152 with a .273 slugging percentage. Despite these challenges, there remains a glimmer of hope for Suárez to reclaim his form on a larger stage.
Arizona’s Returns from the Trade
The Diamondbacks received several players in return for Suárez, including:
- Tyler Locklear, first base prospect
- Juan Burgos, right-hand reliever
- Hunter Cranton, right-handed starter
However, the initial returns were disappointing. Locklear struggled in the majors, posting a .175 average and hitting three home runs before suffering season-ending injuries. Meanwhile, Burgos had a rough time on the mound, finishing with an 8.10 ERA, with four of his six earned runs coming in one unfortunate outing. Cranton did not see any major league action due to an injury before his opportunity with the Double-A Amarillo Sod Poodles.
A Silver Lining: Blaze Alexander’s Emergence
Despite the lackluster performance of the incoming players, the trade opened doors for previously understated utilityman Blaze Alexander. With Suárez’s departure, Alexander stepped into a full-time role at third base. His defensive performance improved significantly, showcasing his versatility by playing well in both infield and outfield positions.
Although his offensive contribution was modest, with a .706 OPS, Alexander’s energy on the field provided a much-needed spark to the Diamondbacks. His ability to fill the void left by Suárez’s errors, which had totaled 12 before the trade, cannot be overlooked.
In conclusion, while the immediate benefits of the Eugenio Suárez trade may seem minimal for both the Diamondbacks and the Mariners, Arizona’s unexpected advantage lies in the emergence of Blaze Alexander. His rise to a prominent role highlights how shifts in team dynamics can influence overall performance.
