On Wednesday, the Seattle Mariners made a shocking trade, sending starting third baseman Eugenio Suarez to the Arizona Diamondbacks for backup catcher Seby Zavala and young pitcher Carlos Vargas.
You can read our full write up on the deal here.
After the trade was made official, Mariners President of Baseball Operations Jerry Dipoto released a statement:
“First off, I want to thank Geno for his contributions over the past two years, on and off the field. The day he walked in, he told us ‘good vibes only’ and he brought that mantra to our clubhouse and our fans, he’s truly one of kind and we’re lucky to have had him as part of our club.” Dipoto said.
“Adding Seby and Carlos is another step toward building the type of deep roster that is required at the Major-League level. Seby is an experienced catcher with excellent defensive skills who will team with Cal behind the plate. And Carlos is a young reliever with the type of “big stuff” that our staff has done a wonderful job developing over the years.”
Look, let's understand a few things here...
1) There's a chance that what Dipoto is saying is true. The team needed more depth in 2023 and didn't have it, so they've acquired players that help do that. That could be the case, and it could work.
2) There may also be moves coming here in the coming months that make the picture look more complete. As of now, this move looks suspect for Seattle, perhaps it won't in a few months if the team acquires a more accomplished third baseman or second baseman that can bolster the infield.
3) Even if the previous two points are true, Mariners' fans today aren't happy. They are tired of waiting to see what else is coming and they want to make the big move that works in their favor. The fanbase already believes that ownership isn't committed to building a winner and trading away a 30-home run guy for a backup catcher and a bullpen arm doesn't really change that. Dipoto better be willing to go out and make No. 2 a reality, or the fans just may mutiny.
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