While Mike Hazen said a couple of weeks ago that pitching will be the main focus at the trade deadline, there could be a point where the Arizona Diamondbacks GM is forced to sell.
If he does, ESPN’s David Schoenfield believes Hazen should deal his best slugger, Eugenio Suarez.
It’s been a rocky season for the D-backs with all the injuries to the bullpen and the constant ups and downs. Buy or sell, there will most likely be moves prior to the July 30 deadline.
There are also a few Diamondbacks players who are in the final year of their respective contracts. Schoenfield shared his thoughts on what the Diamondbacks should do at the deadline, and it starts with dealing their power bat.
Eugenio Suarez should be traded by the Diamondbacks, says Schoenfield
Suarez, who leads the team with 26 home runs and 69 RBIs, knows the feeling of being traded. He has been moved three times, including to the Diamondbacks.
Schoenfield explains why Suarez could be on the move again.
Suarez might be the best player who gets traded. He’s having a huge power season, hitting .254/.324/.564 with 26 home runs, recently belting his 300th home run to cement his underrated career. His strikeout rate is the lowest it’s been since 2018 as he has made a concerted effort to swing a little more often early in the count. It’s paid off. The Diamondbacks also have top prospect Jordan Lawlar ready in the minors to take over at third. He’s a natural shortstop, but Geraldo Perdomo has locked down that position and Lawlar’s bat should still play at third.
Schoenfield goes on to say that teams like the Detroit Tigers and Seattle Mariners could make a profitable trade offer for Suarez.
Who else could Schoenfield see leaving Arizona?
According to Schoenfield, the St. Louis Cardinals should pursue trading for starting pitcher Merrill Kelly, while the Texas Rangers would be smart to chase after first baseman Josh Naylor.
As for the need: The Cardinals rank in the middle of the pack in the majors in rotation ERA, but Erick Fedde, Andre Pallante and Miles Mikolas are averaging fewer than 6.5 strikeouts per nine. (St. Louis is 26th in rotation strikeout rate.) Kelly would give them a better strikeout pitcher to go alongside Sonny Gray to head a potential playoff rotation.
While any team would love a veteran pitcher like Kelly, the Diamondbacks could get a young replacement to make up for all the injuries. He has a current record of 7-4 this year but is 31st when it comes to ERA at 3.49.
Though Naylor was traded from the Cleveland Guardians last offseason, Schoenfield points out that the Rangers should make the move.
Naylor is leading the Diamondbacks with 89 hits and a .304 batting average.
Schoenfield did not mention pitcher Zac Gallen as a trade chip. Gallen had a much-needed strong performance Tuesday night against the San Francisco Giants and is on the final year of his contract.
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