Brad Cesmat
They did what? Hold on…
The Diamondbacks pulled off a major trade late Wednesday night, that left many fans puzzled and others jubilant. The team dealt away second baseman Jean Segura as part of a five player deal that brought back right-handed starting pitcher Taijuan Walker @tai_walker. This is the first major move by new GM Mike Hazen. Per Walkers contract, the Diamondbacks have control of the 24-year-old for the next four seasons. Arizona also picked up infielder Ketel Marte in the trade. Segura, OF Mitch Haniger, and LHP Zac Curtis were sent to Seattle to complete the deal.
Walker is a player that has always been viewed to have tremendous upside, but has not lived up to the attention that followed him once he hit the League. In parts of four Major League seasons, he has put together a 22-22 record and a ERA of 4.18. He has averaged 8.1 strikeouts per 9 innings since coming to the Mariners in 2013. He was rated as one of the top prospects in the nation from 2011-2013
Hazen indicated that the depth that the Diamondbacks have in the middle infield played a part in deciding to move Segura, who was coming off a solid offensive campaign in Arizona.
