In 5-player deal with Arizona, Seattle Mariners acquire shortstop Jean Segura, 2 prospects

SEATTLE -- In a blockbuster deal, the Seattle Mariners acquired shortstop Jean Segura, outfielder Mitch Haniger and left-handed pitcher Zac Curtis from the Arizona Diamondbacks  in exchange for pitcher Taijuan Walker and infielder Ketel Marte, it was announced Wednesday night.

Walker was considered one of the top young pitchers in the American League, but struggled with consistency. Yet he's shown flashes of having the potential to become an ace during his young career. Marte had many of the same problems with consistency but had also become a liability in the field.

Walker, 24, was 8-11 with a 4.22 ERA and 119 strikeouts in 25 starts last season.

Segura, 26, is an immediate upgrade at shortstop for Seattle. He hit .319 with 20 home runs and 63 RBIs last season for the Diamondbacks and will provide Seattle with a legitimate leadoff hitter. Arizona also sent outfielder Mitch Haniger and left-handed pitcher Zac Curtis to Seattle.

“Segura was one of the premiere offensive players in the Majors last season,” Mariners Execuitve Vice President and General Manager Jerry Dipoto said. “His combination of average, power and speed is extremely difficult to find, especially at a position like shortstop and at the top of our lineup. We believe pairing him with Robinson Canó gives us tremendous offensive potential in the middle of our infield.

“We see Haniger as a high-ceiling prospect who projects to join our outfield as soon as next season, while Zac Curtis’ track record in the minors gives us great confidence in his future as a big league pitcher.”

Walker, 24, was 8-11 with a 4.22 ERA and 119 strikeouts in 25 starts last season.