With only ten days remaining until the MLB trade deadline on July 31, Eugenio Suárez has emerged as the most sought-after player in the American League market. The Arizona Diamondbacks third baseman is having a breakout season, prompting multiple contenders to pursue his talents as they seek to strengthen their playoff chances.
Suárez is delivering a powerful campaign, boasting 35 home runs and leading the National League with 85 RBIs in 98 games. His expiring contract makes him an ideal rental candidate for teams aiming to boost their offensive firepower for the postseason push.
Seattle Mariners and Detroit Tigers Lead the Charge for Suárez
Among the interested clubs, the Seattle Mariners stand out as likely suitors for Suárez’s services. Andy McCullough of The Athletic predicts a reunion, stating,
Jerry Dipoto pulls off a reunion with Eugenio Suárez.
The Mariners, who lost offensive strength when they traded Suárez after the 2023 season to manage payroll, are eager to add his power back to their lineup.
Seattle’s interest aligns with Suárez’s finest offensive year to date, highlighted by his selection to the All-Star game, enhancing his value to teams fighting for a postseason spot. McCullough observes,
With general manager Jerry Dipoto looking to add power, Suárez looks like an excellent fit. He would be a solid upgrade at third base over Ben Williamson, and his contract expires after this season.
The Mariners currently rely heavily on Cal Raleigh’s home run production, and acquiring Suárez could provide a formidable cleanup hitter to support stars like Randy Arozarena and Julio Rodríguez, potentially elevating their postseason outlook. Dipoto’s past aggressive moves, such as the 2020 trade for Matt Brash, suggest he is willing to make bold decisions, despite some fan backlash over Suárez’s original departure.
However, the Mariners face stiff competition from the Detroit Tigers, who are leading the American League Central with a 60-40 record. The Athletic’s Cody Stavenhagen points out,
A big right-handed bat has its merits, but other teams like Eugenio Suárez, too.
Detroit’s interest is compelling given Suárez made his MLB debut with the Tigers in 2014, offering a narrative of a homecoming that could complete their championship aspirations.
Suárez’s offensive output, including his 35 home runs and a .928 OPS, far surpasses the current performance of Detroit’s third baseman, Zach McKinstry, who holds a .822 OPS and may see further regression. Adding Suárez would strengthen Detroit’s infield, complementing Javier Báez and Spencer Torkelson, and potentially positioning the Tigers for their first World Series appearance since 1984.
Stavenhagen cautions, however, that Detroit could prioritize less conspicuous acquisitions, possibly foregoing the chance to secure Suárez’s star power.
Arizona Diamondbacks Face Complex Deadline Decisions
For the Arizona Diamondbacks, the trade deadline presents a challenging crossroads. The Athletic’s Meisel forecasts,
No team will be busier at the deadline,
highlighting Arizona’s expected activity with Suárez, Josh Naylor, and Zac Gallen all potentially on the move.
Despite Suárez’s recent surge—he hit six home runs during a two-game sweep of the St. Louis Cardinals—Arizona’s slim playoff odds, currently standing at 19.2%, may push general manager Mike Hazen to focus more on long-term assets than on short-term gains.
The 34-year-old third baseman has been the centerpiece of Arizona’s offensive efforts, and his outstanding statistics underscore a player at the peak of his career. Suárez carries a .257/.328/.601 slash line and is on pace for a 50-home run season, solidifying his reputation as the hottest offensive commodity available at the deadline.
Whether Suárez reunites with Seattle or returns to Detroit, his addition has the potential to significantly alter the competitive balance within the American League playoff race as teams make their final moves.