The Seattle Mariners got excellent value back from the Atlanta Braves in their trade of Anthony Swarzak.
It had been some time since Seattle Mariners general manager Jerry Dipoto made a trade. The deal to acquire Mike Wright, who has already been designated for assignment, happened nearly a month ago. With the Mariners in a free fall down the standings, one had to imagine that Dipoto would make some sort of a move in an attempt to fix the roster.
He did just that on Monday. Anthony Swarzak was sent to the Atlanta Braves, with the injured Arodys Vizcaino and lefty reliever Jesse Biddle heading back to Seattle.
Mariners acquire LHP Jesse Biddle & RHP Arodys Vizcaino from Atlanta in exchange for RHP Anthony Swarzak and cash considerations.
— Ryan Divish (@RyanDivish) May 20, 2019
Swarzak was essentially acquired to be traded again, but had done nothing to enhance his value. He had gotten some chances as the Mariners closer, notching three saves, but his 5.27 ERA and 1.610 WHiP speak volumes to his issues this year. The Braves, presumably, are hoping the veteran reliever can solidify the middle of their bullpen and eventually return to form.
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Biddle is the key piece heading back to Seattle. He had been a solid groundball pitcher last season as a rookie, but also struggled mightily this season. In his 11.2 innings before being designated for assignment, he allowed 11 runs, seven earned, on 18 hits and ten walks. However, with another five seasons of team control, he is a worthwhile gamble.
Vizcaino is an interesting inclusion to the deal. He will not pitch again this season, and is currently slated to enter free agency next year. Chances are, Vizcaino was included in the trade for financial concerns, as he is making $4.8 million this year.
While getting a cheap lefty reliever in Biddle for the remnants of Swarzak is already a victory, being able to retain Vizcaino would make this deal truly spectacular. He has been a solid reliever since the start of 2017, posting a 2.53 ERA and a 1.144 WHiP while serving as a part time closer. Over his 99.2 innings, he has issued 39 walks, but has also struck out 110 batters. Even with his injury, Vizcaino is likely to be in high demand this offseason.
The Seattle Mariners managed to trade Anthony Swarzak, and actually received excellent value for him. It is definitely a win for Jerry Dipoto.