Austin Nola traded by Mariners to Padres

The career of former Catholic High of Baton Rouge and LSU standout Austin Nola continues to trend upward.

Displaying patience, diligence and a never-say-die spirit of competing, the older brother of Phillies star pitcher Aaron Nola spent eight years toiling in the minor leagues, including part of four seasons in New Orleans with the Zephyrs and Cakes.

Nola modeled nine different minor league uniforms along the way, including one for Estrellas de Oriente in the Dominican Republic. He was ready and willing to play anywhere to prove what he could accomplish in a game he loves.

After joining the Seattle organization in November, 2018, Nola got his big break, being promoted to the Mariners on June 16, 2019. It took Nola until he was 29 to get his opportunity and it was better late than never. Nola was not going to let that chance slip away as a fleeting glimpse of being at the top of his profession.

Nola showed he belonged, batting .269 with 12 doubles, a triple, 10 home runs and 31 RBI in 79 games for the Mariners in 2019.

This season, Nola was performing extremely well, batting .306 with five doubles, a triple, five home runs and 19 RBI in 29 games with Seattle.

Now, Nola is going from an also-ran to a contender (Seattle is 14-22), one of the best young and talented teams in baseball.

The San Diego Padres (21-15) acquired Nola Sunday as part of a seven-player deal with the Mariners. San Diego also got relief pitchers Austin Adams and Dan Altavilla.

Seattle received top Padres prospect Taylor Trammell, an outfielder, along with infielder Ty France, relief pitcher Andres Munoz and catcher Luis Torrens.

A good defensive catcher by trade, Nola, who dramatically improved his offense the last few years, has earned his spot in the big leagues by hitting and with versatility, playing first, second and third base, along with left and right field since getting an opportunity with Seattle.

Nola will join another new acquisition, Jason Castro, behind the plate in San Diego. Castro was traded by the Los Angeles Angels to the Padres.

The perseverance and character of Nola has enabled him to reach the top of his professional and now the former Tiger and Zephyr can enjoy the reward of his hard work by playing for a fine organization and team.