The Seattle Mariners took a risk at the trade deadline last season by swinging a trade for slugger Eugenio Suárez.
Suárez entered free agency at the end of the postseason, but he hasn’t signed a new deal, as of Friday. Still, there are plenty of suitors for the slugger. He’s one of the best players left on the market and could likely be signed for less than $25 million per year.
ESPN’s Tristan Cockcroft predicted Suárez would bolt from the Mariners and sign a deal with the Pittsburgh Pirates in free agency.
“I’m already on board for a Pirates-led National League Central this year, and what better way for them to make a push in that direction than to address their severe power shortage with one of the best power hitters still on the free agent market?” Cockcroft wrote. “Suarez might accept a shorter deal with higher AAV and/or a post-2026 opt-out — think two years, $42 million — and he would balance what’s currently a lefty-heavy Pirates lineup that is also thin on the left side of the infield.”
The Pirates have put together a solid offseason so far, but signing Suárez would be the best move they could possibly make.
This would add some much-needed pop to their lineup without breaking the bank. Suárez is one of the best power hitters in the league right now, and the Pirates need power more than anything.
If Pittsburgh can land him for two years and $40 million, it would be the perfect move to cap off a huge offseason. The Pirates would be in the perfect position to contend for a .500 record and potentially more next season.
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