Seattle Mariners third baseman Eugenio Suárez stole the spotlight in Game 5 of the American League Championship Series on Friday night.
Suárez delivered a game-changing grand slam that powered Seattle to a 6-2 victory over the Toronto Blue Jays, giving the Mariners a 3-2 edge in the best-of-seven series. It marked his second home run of the night and stood out as one of the most electrifying postseason moments in recent memory.
However, the question now is how much longer Suárez will remain the Mariners’ starting third baseman. His situation could soon become particularly intriguing for Boston Red Sox fans, especially those concerned about the possibility of losing three-time All-Star Alex Bregman to free agency.
Are Mariners potential Bregman suitors?
On Friday, MassLive’s Sean McAdam identified the Seattle Mariners as one of the potential teams that could try to lure Alex Bregman away from the Boston Red Sox in free agency. However, McAdam also suggested that a reunion between Seattle and Eugenio Suárez remained a strong possibility — and that was before Suárez’s two-homer performance in Game 5 of the ALCS.
“The Mariners aren’t typically top-of-the-market spenders, but if they lose in the ALCS, they could be motivated to go after a big piece like Bregman,” McAdam wrote.
“He would provide some leadership to an otherwise fairly young team, but it’s more likely that the Mariners try a shorter-term extension with fellow free agent third baseman Eugenio Suárez, whom they acquired at last July’s deadline.”
McAdam’s comments may understate the Mariners’ potential aggressiveness, and it’s worth arguing that they shouldn’t be overlooked. Postseason success often sparks front-office urgency, and if Seattle were to fall short in the World Series — especially if Suárez cools off by then — it’s entirely plausible they could enter the Bregman sweepstakes.
Still, Seattle’s financial picture complicates things. The Mariners’ luxury tax payroll this season was roughly $55 million lower than Boston’s, and they face multiple offseason priorities. Alongside Suárez’s free agency, first baseman Josh Naylor is also set to hit the market, and the front office will likely consider long-term extensions for pitchers Logan Gilbert and Bryan Woo.
So, should the Mariners be viewed as a legitimate threat if rumors about their interest in Bregman intensify? Absolutely.
And if they do manage to outbid Boston for his services? It would be an embarrassing miss for the Red Sox.
