Grading the Arizona Diamondbacks’ off-season moves
By Noah Wright
Acquiring Eugenio Suarez
The first major acquisition by Mike Hazen was third baseman Eugenio Suarez from the Seattle Mariners. Suarez batted .232/.323/.391 last season, but he went yard 22 times, which marked the seventh 162-game season in a row he hit at least 20 dingers. Although Suarez struck out at a 30.8% rate, he also carried an above-average 10.1% walk rate. All told Suarez was about a league-average contributor with the bat with a .313 wOBA and 102 wRC+.
Although Suarez typically hasn't been known for his defensive ability, he had a career year at the hot corner. He had -2 defensive runs saved but +11 outs above average. The only third basemen in baseball with more OAA were Ke'Bryan Hayes, Manny Machado, Maikel Garcia, and Ryan McMahon.
This move was essentially a salary dump for the Mariners. The D-Backs only sent back catcher Seby Zavala and RHP reliever Carlos Vargas in return. Zavala was a waiver claim by the Snakes from the Chicago White Sox in September. Zavala had just a 73 wRC+ in 193 plate appearances for the Sox and the D-Backs but had +6 DRS and +7.3 framing runs. He is a defense-first backup catcher. Vargas is a flamethrower who averages out around 100 MPH. But he also walks a ton of batters and had an ERA over 7.00 at Triple-A Reno this year.
Suarez could even be better next year. His 90.3 MPH exit velocity is the second-best single-season mark of his career. His 13.2% barrel rate ranked in the 87th percentile. Suarez's xwOBA of .324 was 11 points higher than his bottom line. All the Diamondbacks had to give up was two depth pieces and take on the remaining money left on Suarez's contract. He also has a team option for 2025 worth $15 million.
This was an absolute steal by Hazen. Suarez could be a three WAR third baseman with good defense. All he had to give up is some 40-man roster fodder and take on some money. This could be a very good off-season trade.