The Mariners Went All-In At the MLB Trade Deadline: 'This team deserved it'

New Seattle Mariners third baseman Eugenio Suarez made a point of interrupting president of baseball operations Jerry Dipoto’s post-trade deadline news conference.

Dipoto, who reacquired the slugging third baseman from the Arizona Diamondbacks on Thursday in exchange for a trio of minor leaguers, was praising Suárez from the Mariners’ dugout when the 34-year-old best known for his home runs and good vibes butted in.

"Stop it!" Suárez said, more than loud enough for all to hear.

(Photo by Steph Chambers/Getty Images)

Suárez, Dipoto and the rest of the franchise had plenty to be pleased about after the trade deadline. The Mariners, who entered Thursday night’s game against the Texas Rangers in playoff position, bolstered their lineup by adding more than just Suárez, who has 36 homers this season and is tied with Seattle’s Cal Raleigh for the major league lead with 87 RBIs.

A week ago, the Mariners made another deal with the D-backs for slugging first baseman Josh Naylor. Dipoto believes Seattle acquired the "best bats" available, adding power to a lineup that already ranks fifth in the majors in home runs.

"This is the best lineup we’ve had since I’ve been here," Dipoto said. "Without question."

Dipoto, who was hired as the Mariners’ general manager in 2015 and promoted to president of baseball operations in 2021, has overseen a number of competitive clubs in the Emerald City. While Seattle has qualified for the playoffs only once under Dipoto, it has had a winning record in six of the last nine seasons.

Dipoto's teams have often been in the playoff race ahead of the deadline, but Seattle's moves haven't been as aggressive as this year's additions of Suárez, Naylor and veteran left-handed reliever Caleb Ferguson.

Dipoto