Eugenio Suárez, who has played for multiple teams since his 2014 MLB debut, could be headed back to the Detroit Tigers. The Arizona Diamondbacks, currently trailing in the NL West, are expected to explore trade options involving Suárez. The third baseman, with an impressive 31 home runs this season, has expressed a clear preference to rejoin the team that originally drafted him.
Possibility of Joining Tigers Amid Current Team Dynamics
The Tigers’ roster currently includes Zack McKinstry, who holds the team lead in batting average at .285; however, McKinstry’s role as a utility player might make room for Suárez, who has focused on third base since 2021 and occasionally filled the designated hitter role. Despite McKinstry’s higher average, Suárez has had more playing time, including 60 additional at-bats this year.
Reflecting on the potential reunion, Suárez said,
“To finish where everything started, it would be cool. It would mean a lot to me.”
He highlighted that the Tigers have changed considerably since his time with the organization, noting,
“Since I was there, it’s been a lot different. It’s a new team with a lot of young guys and a lot of talent.”
He also praised their roster strength:
“I think they have a really good chance to make it more than the playoffs this year. They got, for me, the best pitcher in the league right now: Tarik Skubal. They got a bunch of good players. I think they really have a chance to win it all this year.”
Detroit Tigers’ Strong Position in the AL Central
The Tigers have dominated the American League Central with a 59-38 record, holding an 11.5-game lead, the largest margin in all of MLB. Despite the long season ahead, Detroit’s high winning percentage surpasses expectations, even over powerhouse teams such as the New York Yankees, Los Angeles Dodgers, New York Mets, and Philadelphia Phillies.
Suárez’s Career and Current Performance Highlights
After spending seven seasons with the Cincinnati Reds following a 2014 trade, Suárez has maintained his power at the plate. Though his overall numbers have fluctuated since his career peak between 2017 and 2019, he earned his second All-Star selection this season. His first came in 2018 when he finished with a .283 batting average, .366 on-base percentage, and .526 slugging percentage.
This season’s 31 home runs already top last year’s total, achieved in fewer games and at-bats—60 games and over 200 plate appearances less—demonstrating that his power remains a valuable asset. For the Tigers, adding Suárez would bring a significant boost to an offense with only two players exceeding 20 home runs and just four hitting ten or more.
The Potential Impact of Suárez on Detroit’s Lineup
Suárez’s possible return is viewed as a timely opportunity to enhance the Tigers’ lineup as they aim not just for playoff contention, but a deeper run. His power-hitting and experience could complement Detroit’s young roster, especially alongside standout players like Tarik Skubal. With the trade deadline approaching, Suárez’s move back to Detroit could signal an important step for the club’s ambitions this season.
Our Reader’s Queries
Q. Is Eugenio Suárez a free agent?
A. Suárez’s contract will end after this season, and the Diamondbacks seem likely to trade players away by the deadline. The Yankees urgently require a third baseman, and Suárez may be a temporary solution for them.