In a significant move, the Seattle Mariners have acquired All-Star first baseman Josh Naylor from the Arizona Diamondbacks. This trade, which took place Thursday night, involved the Mariners sending a pair of pitching prospects to the D-backs. This acquisition adds depth to the Mariners' roster as they approach the July 31 MLB trade deadline, and it does not rule out further trades, particularly concerning another potential target.
Despite the successful trade for Naylor, the Mariners are reportedly still interested in reuniting with Eugenio Suárez, the D-backs' third baseman. Suárez, who played for the Mariners during the 2022 and 2023 seasons, remains a prime target for Seattle. According to Mariners insider Shannon Drayer from Seattle Sports, the Mariners are “very much still open” to acquiring Suárez, highlighting their commitment to enhancing their lineup.
Both Naylor and Suárez are in a similar position as they are set to become free agents at the end of the season, making them both valuable rental players. The Mariners' general manager Justin Hollander and president of baseball operations Jerry Dipoto have a history of executing multiple trades with the same team during the trade deadline. For example, last year, they traded with the Toronto Blue Jays for first baseman Justin Turner and reliever Yimi García in separate transactions just two days apart.
The move to acquire Naylor provides the Mariners with a safety net in case they are unable to secure Suárez, who leads MLB with an impressive 86 RBIs and ranks fourth with 36 home runs. Recently, ESPN ranked Suárez as the top player likely to be traded before the July 31 deadline, while Naylor was placed at 14th. The competition to acquire Suárez is fierce, with interest from teams such as the New York Yankees, Chicago Cubs, and his former team, the Cincinnati Reds.
As the trade deadline approaches, the Mariners are actively positioning themselves to strengthen their roster. With the potential for further trades, fans and analysts alike are closely monitoring developments. Recent insights suggest that Cole Young is viewed as the Mariners’ best trade prospect, positioning the team for strategic moves that could enhance their chances for success this season. Additionally, discussions around upgrading third base indicate a proactive approach as Seattle aims to make a playoff push.
In summary, the Seattle Mariners’ recent trade for Josh Naylor underscores their commitment to building a competitive team. With ongoing interest in Eugenio Suárez and a history of strategic dealings, the Mariners are well-positioned as they navigate the upcoming trade deadline.
