With the MLB trade deadline approaching, the Arizona Diamondbacks have dealt first baseman Josh Naylor to the Seattle Mariners in exchange for two pitching prospects. In return, the Mariners sent Brandyn Garcia (their 13th-ranked prospect) and Ashton Izzi (ranked 16th), both right-handed pitchers.
As for a potential deal to bring Eugenio Suárez back to Cincinnati, the Diamondbacks might be able to get a better return than they did for Naylor. The Reds could include some major league-ready talent under team control, along with prospects. Since Suárez is in the final year of his contract, he’d be considered a rental, and giving up top-tier prospects for a short-term piece is always a risk.
One possible trade chip is Christian Encarnacion-Strand (CES), who could attract interest from Arizona—especially with first base now open after the Naylor deal. Cincinnati could package CES with a couple of prospects like pitcher Chase Petty (No. 6 in the Reds’ system), shortstop Edwin Arroyo (No. 8), or outfielder Carlos Jorge (No. 20). That could be enough to get a deal done.
CES, still just 25, is under team control through 2029 and has big power upside. However, his 46.6% chase rate this season raises some concerns. With infield prospects like Sal Stewart and Cam Collier nearing MLB readiness, and Spencer Steer performing well at first base, CES might become expendable.
A 3-for-1 package—CES, Petty, and either Arroyo or Jorge—seems like a reasonable offer if the Reds are seriously looking to reacquire Suárez. It might not seal the deal, but it’s a competitive starting point.
Leave a Reply