The reunion between the Seattle Mariners and Eugenio Suárez at this year’s trade deadline received an overwhelmingly positive response from fans and media. The primary downside was the inclusion of promising young talent Tyler Locklear in the trade package sent to the Arizona Diamondbacks.
Locklear, selected in the second round of the 2022 draft, had been a rising star within the Mariners’ farm system, ranked as the eighth-best prospect by MLB Pipeline last year. Early in the current season, he showcased his skills in Triple-A Tacoma, sporting an impressive .316 batting average and a .942 OPS over 98 games. This performance created optimism that he would have the chance to make an impact in the big leagues. However, it became clear that his pathway to regular play in Seattle was blocked, making the trade to Arizona seem like an opportunity for him to realize his potential.
Unfortunately for the 24-year-old first baseman, his time with the Diamondbacks has been marred by challenges. In early September, Locklear ended up on the 10-day injured list due to left elbow inflammation following an accidental collision with Boston Red Sox catcher Connor Wong. The initial expectation was that this injury would sideline him for the remainder of the season.
Tragically, Locklear’s situation deteriorated significantly after the collision, as he struggled with a meager .175 batting average and a .529 OPS in 31 games with Arizona. Recent reports indicate that Locklear will require surgery this month to address injuries to both his elbow and shoulder—a result of the collision that was considered the worst-case scenario. He is set to undergo procedures to repair a torn ligament in his left elbow and to fix the labrum in his left shoulder.
Despite this setback, there remains hope for Locklear’s future. Medical staff anticipate a return sometime during next season, though a specific timeline has yet to be determined. Those who have followed his career recognize his immense talent and potential as a power hitter, and there is optimism that once recovered, he can be a valuable asset at first base for the Diamondbacks. It is important to send good wishes to Locklear as he navigates this challenging phase, with the hope that he can once again showcase his skills on the field.