Veteran third baseman Eugenio Suárez, a seasoned player with a 12-year Major League Baseball career, could soon find himself on the move again. Currently with the Arizona Diamondbacks, Suárez is rumored to be a potential trade candidate before the league’s trade deadline at the end of July. In a twist of irony, two of Suárez’s former teams, the Detroit Tigers and Seattle Mariners, are considered strong contenders for his acquisition.
Suárez, who turns 34 on July 18, has previously played for the Tigers, Reds, and Mariners. “There are several contenders in need of an upgrade at third base, including the Cubs and Reds, but the Tigers and Mariners might have the edge in prospect depth to make the deal,” wrote ESPN’s David Schoenfield on July 2. Suárez’s journey through MLB has been marked by significant trades, including a move from the Tigers to the Reds, where he became an All-Star.
Suárez’s Career and Trade History
Suárez’s career began with the Detroit Tigers, where he played for one season before being traded to the Cincinnati Reds. That trade, which included a minor league pitcher, brought 2014 All-Star starter Alfredo Simón to Detroit. Suárez flourished in Cincinnati, becoming an All-Star four years later. His journey continued with two more trades involving the Seattle Mariners. The Mariners initially acquired Suárez in March 2022, but he was subsequently dealt to the Diamondbacks in November 2023.
Now, as the trade deadline approaches, speculation is rife about Suárez’s next destination. Could the Mariners rectify their past decision by bringing him back, or will another team seize the opportunity?
Arizona Diamondbacks-Detroit Tigers Mock Trade
In a speculative mock trade scenario, the Arizona Diamondbacks could receive two promising prospects from the Detroit Tigers: infielder Hao-Yu Lee and right-handed pitcher Troy Melton. Both are ranked as top 10 prospects within the Tigers’ organization. In return, the Tigers would acquire Suárez, a move that could significantly bolster their lineup for the remainder of the 2025 season.
If a bidding war ensues for Suárez, Detroit’s compensation might increase. Alongside the Tigers and Mariners, teams like the Cubs, Reds, and Yankees could also enter the Suárez sweepstakes. However, in this mock trade, the Tigers avoid relinquishing a top-five prospect due to Suárez’s status as a rental player.
The Impact of Suárez on the Tigers’ Lineup
Adding Suárez to the Tigers’ lineup could provide a significant boost. “The Tigers will likely make multiple moves — no doubt, adding a bullpen arm at a minimum — and while the lineup has shown surprising depth, adding Suárez to hit between lefties Kerry Carpenter and Riley Greene feels like the perfect fit,” Schoenfield noted. Suárez’s presence would allow Zach McKinstry to return to a utility role and hedge against potential regression from other key players.
Detroit’s Comerica Park, known for being pitcher-friendly, hasn’t hindered the Tigers from ranking second in the American League in runs scored this season. Suárez’s addition could elevate their offensive capabilities even further.
Suárez’s Current Performance and Future Prospects
Suárez has demonstrated remarkable improvement this season, cutting down on strikeouts and increasing his power. His slugging percentage is nearly 100 points higher than last year, with a slight increase in on-base percentage and an OPS of .888. This year, Suárez is slashing .254/.324/.564 with 26 home runs, 69 RBIs, and 51 runs in 340 plate appearances. He is on pace to reach 40 home runs for the second time in his career, with a potential push for a new career high of 50 homers.
Suárez’s performance could see further enhancement in Detroit, where he may encounter more favorable pitches, leading to increased production.
As the trade deadline looms, the baseball world awaits to see if Suárez will indeed make another move. His potential impact on the Tigers could be substantial, providing both the team and fantasy managers with a powerful asset for the remainder of the season.