On Wednesday night, the Arizona Diamondbacks  Eugenio Suarez to the Seattle Mariners, reuniting the third baseman with his previous team.

After the D-backs had reportedly been asking for a large return, they settled for a deal headlined by a No. 9 prospect in Tyler Locklear, who still has much to prove.

Diamondbacks CEO and president Derrick Hall defended what some fans viewed as an underwhelming trade return when he joined Bickley & Marotta on Thursday morning, saying teams in the playoff race won’t give up valuable pieces for an expiring contract like Suarez.

Was the Eugenio Suarez trade underwhelming? Diamondbacks president and CEO Derrick Hall explained the reality of the market for a player on an expiring contract.

Full interview on @Bickley_Marotta: https://t.co/wL0ZPFQUuI pic.twitter.com/uX3OBCQTMV

— Arizona Sports (@AZSports) July 31, 2025

Here’s how MLB analysts graded the trade from the Diamondbacks and Mariners.

Mariners receive praise while Diamondbacks face criticism for Eugenio Suarez trade

The Mariners’ front office once again reached out to the Diamondbacks after trading for Josh Naylor last week and analysts say they came out as the clear winner in the Suarez trade.

ESPN’s Bradford Doolittle and David Schoenfield wrote their thoughts Thursday morning of how each team did.

Mariners grade: A

Just a couple of days after acquiring Josh Naylor from the Diamondbacks, the Mariners go back to their frequent trade partner and get the best power bat available at the deadline — and not just the best available, but one of the best sluggers in the game. Suarez is fifth in the majors with 36 home runs (and there’s a big gap to the next guy with 27), giving the Mariners MLB’s top home run duo now with Suarez and Cal Raleigh.

Diamondbacks grade: C

Given Suarez’s impact power and the need of several playoff contenders at third base, this return feels a little low — especially given the arguably bigger returns for rental relievers Tyler Rogers and Ryan Helsley. But Mike Hazen saw his list of potential trade partners limited after the Yankees acquired Ryan McMahon, the Reds traded for Ke’Bryan Hayes and the Cubs and Tigers perhaps focused just on adding pitching. By waiting, the Diamondbacks might have received less than what they could have a few days ago.

CBS Sports’ R.J. Anderson says the Mariners hit a home run in the Suarez trade, while the Diamondbacks could have gotten a better return.

Mariners grade: A

The best way to score runs is to hit the ball over the fence, and the Mariners now have their own version of — if not Aaron Judge and Juan Soto, something closer to Pete Crow-Armstrong and Kyle Tucker.

Diamondbacks grade: C

It’s to be seen what the Diamondbacks can get from this trio. Perhaps Locklear becomes a fixture in the middle of Arizona’s lineup, and/or maybe both Cranton and Burgos can work their way into high-leverage situations. In that case, this deal will age well enough. As it stands, though, it’s probably OK to feel a touch underwhelmed by this package considering the strength of the Mariners’ system and the paucity of comparable offensive talent available.

The Athletic staff writer Sam Blum gave a high grade to both teams, saying it’s a win-win deal.

Mariners: A

Mariners president of baseball operations Jerry Dipoto has always done his work on the trade market, and he just picked up the best offensive trade chip available to him. It signals to everyone that they intend to do everything they can to win a championship. In a season of parity and mediocre first-place teams, the Mariners are trying to set themselves apart. Now, you could criticize them for letting Suárez go in the first place a couple years ago, but such is the reality of how these things go.

Diamondbacks: A-

First base prospect Tyler Locklear, who had just been called up, heads to the Diamondbacks. He’s Seattle’s No. 12 prospect, according to The Athletic’s Keith Law. A tough player to lose, no doubt, and a good return for Arizona. Especially when you consider they traded Josh Naylor, their Opening Day first baseman, to Seattle last week. The D-backs get a legitimate building block.

Currently, the Diamondbacks are on a five-game losing streak, and more players could be traded before the deadline, including Zac Gallen and Merrill Kelly.

The Diamondbacks’ next game is against the Athletics on Friday, when a revamped team will be taking the field.