Mariners Quietly in the Mix as Eugenio Suárez Market Narrows
Eugenio Suárez is back on the board, and while his free agency hasn’t made major headlines yet, the market is starting to take shape - and the Seattle Mariners are sitting in a quietly favorable position.
Yes, the Pittsburgh Pirates are reportedly interested. And sure, that interest makes sense - who wouldn’t want a proven power bat like Suárez in the middle of their lineup?
But as Ken Rosenthal pointed out, the Pirates are running into a familiar problem: when it comes down to choosing between a team offering money and a team offering a chance to win, players like Suárez typically lean toward the latter. And unless Pittsburgh is willing to stretch well beyond its comfort zone on years or dollars, they’re likely on the outside looking in.
That opens the door for a team like Seattle - not because they’re going to throw around the biggest contract, but because the market dynamics are shifting in their favor. This is where veteran free agency tends to get interesting.
It’s late in the offseason, and the players still unsigned are often the ones with enough leverage to wait for the right fit. Suárez fits that mold perfectly.
He’s not just looking for a paycheck - he’s looking for the right situation.
Seattle could be that situation.
The Red Sox are a wildcard here. They’ve got the resources, the urgency, and Fenway Park’s short left field could be a dream for a pull-happy right-handed slugger like Suárez.
That’s a combo worth watching. But even with Boston lurking, this isn’t a done deal.
They’ve got other needs, other options, and a front office that’s been deliberate with its spending.
That’s why Seattle can’t treat this like a feel-good reunion tour. If they want Suárez back, they need to make a real pitch - one that sells him on where this team is headed and how he fits into that picture.
The good news? That pitch is there to be made.
The Diamondbacks were once floated as a potential landing spot, but that door effectively closed when they traded for Nolan Arenado. So if you’re mapping out realistic destinations, Seattle’s path is suddenly a lot clearer.
And it’s not just about sentimentality. The Mariners are still actively looking to upgrade - especially on the infield - and Suárez checks a lot of boxes.
Ryan Divish has noted that Seattle isn’t done this offseason. They’re still working the market, still looking for infield solutions, and Suárez remains a logical fit - especially if his multi-year hopes don’t materialize and he pivots toward a one-year deal.
That’s where things get really interesting. A one-year deal is the sweet spot for Seattle.
It gives them a legitimate middle-of-the-order bat without tying their hands long-term. It also leaves the door open for their infield prospects to develop and contribute down the line.
And let’s not overlook the intangible factor - Suárez was a clubhouse favorite during his time in Seattle. He brought energy, leadership, and a presence that doesn’t show up in the box score but absolutely matters over a 162-game grind.
So if this turns into a waiting game - with Boston exploring other options and Pittsburgh hesitant to overpay - the Mariners don’t need to outbid anyone. They just need to be the best baseball decision left on the table.
And right now, they just might be.