The Seattle Mariners took an aggressive stance at this year’s trade deadline, refusing to stand pat and instead making bold moves to strengthen their roster for a playoff push. The front office swung big, acquiring Eugenio Suárez and Josh Naylor in separate deals with the Arizona Diamondbacks. However, both midseason additions are now set to hit free agency, leaving Seattle with some tough decisions ahead.
According to The Athletic’s Jim Bowden, Suárez is expected to command a respectable three-year, $72 million contract this offseason — a price that could fit within the Mariners’ payroll structure. “Suárez led all third basemen this season with 49 home runs and 118 RBIs,” Bowden wrote. “He was traded from the Diamondbacks to the Mariners at the deadline but struggled in Seattle, hitting just .189 with 13 home runs in 53 games. His power is legitimate, as he’s hit 30 or more home runs in five of the last six seasons, but strikeouts remain an issue, and his walk rate has declined over the past two years. With his age-34 season coming up, a shorter-term deal makes sense.”
At one point, it seemed unlikely the Mariners would have a realistic shot at retaining Suárez, especially with his proven power numbers likely to attract multiple suitors. But if his market indeed falls below the $100 million range, a reunion could be very possible. Suárez’s energy, leadership, and fan-favorite charisma made him a beloved figure in Seattle’s clubhouse. Combine that with his elite home run power that helped fuel the Mariners’ postseason run, and it’s easy to see why both sides might be interested in keeping him in the Pacific Northwest.