3B Eugenio Suarez Traded to Diamondbacks For 2 Players
The Seattle Mariners have traded third baseman Eugenio Suarez to the Arizona Diamondbacks for RHP Carlos Vargas and C Seby Zavala. Suarez had an above-average 102 wRC+ and a .714 OPS in the 2023 season. Also, his fielding was very solid, as he had an OAA of 11. The Arizona Diamondbacks quickly filled their void at third base with this move.
Carlos Vargas seems to be a bright piece of the Mariners bullpen for the near future. Vargas’ sinker averages about 99 MPH. In 38 games with the Arizona Diamondbacks’ AAA affiliate, Vargas’ Ground Ball Percentage was an impressive 59%. When a team needs a double play in a key situation, he can be that guy to come through. Catcher Seby Zavala most recently played for the Chicago White Sox until he was claimed off waivers by the Arizona Diamondbacks. Zavala struggled offensively in 2023 (.545 OPS), but his defence was solid (6 DRS). Zavala is a suitable backup to slugging catcher Cal Raleigh.
Paul DeJong Signs With Chicago White Sox
Veteran shortstop Paul DeJong signed a 1-year deal with the Chicago White Sox. While the financial aspects of the contract have not yet been released, the White Sox have gotten their Tim Anderson-replacement.
The 30-year-old DeJong had a poor 2023 season, playing with 3 different teams in the St. Louis Cardinals, Toronto Blue Jays, and the San Francisco Giants. Overall, he had a .612 OPS (66 OPS+) with all 3 teams combined.
The breakdown of DeJong’s statistics for each team is as follows:
St. Louis Cardinals – 81 Games, .710 OPS, 115 OPS+
Toronto Blue Jays – 13 Games, .136 OPS, -62 OPS+
San Francisco Giants – 18 Games, .466 OPS, 26 OPS+
DeJong will look to bounce-back with the Chicago White Sox after a disappointing 2023 campaign.