As the Major League Baseball trade deadline approached, the Seattle Mariners made a decisive move to strengthen their roster by completing a pair of notable trades with the Arizona Diamondbacks. In those deals, Seattle acquired first baseman Josh Naylor and veteran third baseman Eugenio Suárez, two players known for their power at the plate and their ability to change games with one swing. The additions signaled that the Mariners were serious about reinforcing their lineup for both the short term and the future, particularly as they pushed to remain competitive in a tightly contested playoff race.
Following the conclusion of the season, Seattle wasted little time securing one of those acquisitions. The Mariners reached an agreement with Josh Naylor on a new contract early in the offseason, ensuring that the slugging first baseman would remain in the Pacific Northwest. Naylor’s re-signing was widely viewed as a positive step for the organization, as he provides middle-of-the-order production, toughness, and consistency that the team values highly. However, while Naylor’s future was settled quickly, the same could not be said for Eugenio Suárez.
As of Wednesday, Suárez remains unsigned and is still navigating free agency. The Mariners have not ruled out the possibility of bringing him back, but his status remains uncertain. Given his power production and experience, Suárez has drawn interest from several teams around the league, making it increasingly possible that he could depart Seattle in search of a new opportunity. While the Mariners could pursue a reunion, the competitive free-agent market and Suárez’s projected price tag may complicate matters.
One prominent voice weighing in on Suárez’s future is SportsGrid analyst Paul Connor, who recently predicted that the veteran slugger would leave Seattle altogether. According to Connor, Suárez is expected to sign with the Pittsburgh Pirates, a move that would represent a surprising twist in the third baseman’s career and a bold statement by the Pirates’ front office. Connor framed the potential signing as a “betrayal” of Seattle, though in reality it would simply be another example of how business-driven decisions shape player movement during the offseason.
Financial projections suggest that Suárez could command a sizable contract despite some concerns about his on-base skills and defense. Jim Bowden of The Athletic has estimated that Suárez may receive a deal worth approximately $72 million this offseason. That figure reflects both his elite power production and the premium teams continue to place on home-run hitters, even as they age. While Suárez’s overall profile comes with certain drawbacks, his ability to change a game with one swing remains undeniable.
Connor highlighted both the strengths and weaknesses in Suárez’s profile when discussing his market value. On the positive side, Suárez enjoyed a massive power surge, launching 49 home runs, a total that places him among the league’s most dangerous sluggers. However, that production came alongside a relatively low on-base percentage of .298, indicating that he does not consistently reach base outside of his home-run output. Additionally, his defensive performance has shown signs of decline, raising questions about how well he will age over the next several seasons. For teams considering a contract of two or three years, Suárez represents a classic high-risk, high-reward option: an aging power hitter who can deliver immediate impact but may struggle to maintain overall value long term.
The Pirates, however, appear willing to take that gamble. Pittsburgh has emerged as one of the most aggressive teams in baseball this offseason, a development that has surprised many observers given the franchise’s traditionally cautious spending habits. Rather than sitting back and focusing solely on internal development, the Pirates’ front office has taken an assertive approach, actively seeking established major-league talent to accelerate the team’s competitiveness.
One of Pittsburgh’s most notable moves came in the form of a trade with the Tampa Bay Rays, in which the Pirates acquired slugger Brandon Lowe. Lowe brings proven power and postseason experience, immediately boosting a lineup that has struggled to produce extra-base hits in recent years. Shortly after that deal, Pittsburgh continued its spending by reaching an agreement with free-agent first baseman Ryan O’Hearn, another power bat capable of driving in runs and lengthening the lineup.
These moves alone represented a dramatic shift in Pittsburgh’s offseason strategy, but the potential addition of Eugenio Suárez would take things to another level entirely. Suárez is widely regarded as one of the most powerful hitters in the game when he is locked in, and his presence would address one of the Pirates’ most glaring weaknesses: a severe lack of home-run production.
Historically, the Pirates have struggled to generate consistent power, often ranking near the bottom of the league in home runs. While they have emphasized pitching development and defensive versatility, their offense has frequently lacked the kind of fear factor that forces opposing pitchers to alter their approach. Adding Lowe and O’Hearn certainly helps address that issue, but neither player carries the same reputation for game-changing power as Suárez.
Suárez has demonstrated year after year that he can realistically threaten the 40-home-run mark in a single season. Even as his batting average and on-base numbers fluctuate, his raw power remains among the best in baseball. For a Pirates team aiming to take the next step toward playoff contention, that kind of offensive weapon could be transformative.
If Pittsburgh were to sign Suárez to a two- or three-year deal, it would signal a clear commitment to competing in the near future rather than continuing to rebuild patiently. Such a move would also energize the fan base, which has long waited for ownership to invest meaningfully in proven talent. The combination of Suárez, Lowe, and O’Hearn would give the Pirates a dramatically different offensive identity, one centered on power and run production rather than small-ball tactics alone.
From a strategic standpoint, Suárez’s fit in Pittsburgh makes sense despite his limitations. The Pirates could afford to prioritize his bat while managing his defensive workload, potentially rotating him between third base and designated hitter depending on matchups. In that role, his declining defense would be less of a liability, allowing the team to focus on maximizing his offensive output.
For Seattle, losing Suárez would be disappointing but not entirely unexpected. The Mariners already committed significant resources to re-signing Josh Naylor, and they must balance their payroll carefully as they attempt to remain competitive in a tough division. While Suárez provided a spark during his time in Seattle, the organization may ultimately decide that his projected cost outweighs the long-term benefits.
In contrast, Pittsburgh appears ready to embrace the risk. The Pirates’ recent activity suggests a front office that believes the time is right to push forward, leveraging a mix of emerging talent and veteran sluggers to chase a playoff berth. Adding Suárez would be the final piece in what has already been an impressive offseason, turning a once-conservative franchise into one of baseball’s most intriguing storylines.
Ultimately, Suárez’s decision will come down to a combination of financial security, competitive opportunity, and organizational vision. If the Pirates are willing to meet his price and offer him a central role in their lineup, Pittsburgh could emerge as the surprise destination for one of the league’s most prolific power hitters. Should that happen, it would cap off a remarkable offseason and position the Pirates as a legitimate contender sooner than many anticipated.
Whether Suárez remains in Seattle or heads to Pittsburgh, his impact on whichever team signs him will be immediate and significant. In a league that still values the long ball, few players bring as much raw power and game-altering potential as Eugenio Suárez, even as questions about age and defense linger. For now, his free agency remains one of the most compelling storylines of the winter, with the Pirates looming as a bold and unexpected suitor.
