Arizona Diamondbacks Acquire Taijuan Walker in deal with Mariners

New Arizona Diamondbacks GM Mike Hazen is making his presence felt by sending Jean Segura in a package for Taijuan Walker

Seattle Mariners GM Jerry Dipoto has already added Danny Valencia as a right-handed option in their lineup.   Mike Hazen was looking to make a move in his first off-season as GM with the Arizona Diamondbacks.

Well, before they get set to have some turkey tomorrow, they made a trade.

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Walker just turned 24 years old and gives the D’Backs another young arm to build around. It gives the club plenty of options to build a  rotation with.  Zack Greinke, Shelby Miller (if he can regain his form), Patrick Corbin, Walker and any of Rubby De La Rosa, Robby Ray, Archie Bradley or Brandon Shipley.

Walker’s K/9 ratio remained around eight, but his WHIP increased from 1.16 to 1.23. Walker’s fastball usage dropped this past year around three percent, but Walker was a top prospect and has ability.

Marte struggled last season to a point where his WAR was below replacement level. He hit .259 with a .323 slugging percentage and a walk rate under four percent.  His fielding suffered as well with a value of -10.3 above average.

Segura had a comeback season, leading the NL in hits with 203. He hit .319 with an .867 OPS. Segura mainly played second last year, though with Robinson Cano firmly in that position, Segura will head back to short, where in 2015 he was a -3 in defensive runs saved.

Haniger gives the Mariners another right-handed hitting outfield depth option. In AAA Reno, Haniger had an OPS over 1.000 and came up to the majors towards the end of the season. He hit .229 with a .713 OPS in 34 games.

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Curtis pitched in 21 games in the majors out of the Diamondbacks bullpen and posted a 6.75 ERA. The lefty went from A+ to the majors last year and had over a strikeout per inning in minor league ball.

For the Mariners it gives them an excellent foursome offensively in Cano, Segura, Nelson Cruz and Kyle Seager. They have to hope Ariel Miranda continues to produce like he did when he came over in their trade with the Orioles last year and Nathan Karns performs like he did two years ago.

For the D’Backs, my guess is a trade of an arm or two is coming within the next couple of weeks. They have a bunch of starters and could use upgrades in the bullpen and on offense.