Eugenio Suárez is still looking for a home, and with less than three weeks until pitchers and catchers report, the clock is ticking.
Inside the Mariners clubhouse, Suárez remains a fan favorite - and not just among fans. Players, coaches, and even front office folks still speak highly of the veteran third baseman.
His grand slam in Game 5 of last year’s ALCS is etched into Seattle sports lore, a moment that nearly pushed the franchise into its first-ever World Series. That kind of postseason heroism doesn’t get forgotten easily.
But outside of Seattle? The market for Suárez has been surprisingly quiet.
Most notably, the Boston Red Sox - a team that seemed like a logical fit after losing Alex Bregman to the Cubs - haven’t shown much interest. According to recent reports, there’s been little traction between Boston and Suárez, despite the fact that on paper, the fit looks ideal.
Suárez is a classic pull hitter with power, and Fenway Park’s Green Monster is tailor-made for that swing. It’s the kind of match that makes scouts and analysts nod in agreement - a veteran with pop in a park that rewards it. But if Boston isn’t willing to pay the price, that door may be closing.
That brings us back to the Mariners.
Seattle’s front office has been focused on trying to swing a deal for Cardinals utility man Brendan Donovan, a 2025 All-Star who would bring versatility and a high-contact bat to the infield. That remains Plan A.
But if St. Louis doesn’t budge, Suárez could re-enter the picture as a fallback option.
There’s competition, though. The Pittsburgh Pirates have reportedly expressed interest, according to The Athletic’s Ken Rosenthal.
That’s a wrinkle worth watching, but it’s also a tough sell. For Suárez to choose Pittsburgh, he’d have to believe in their long-term potential - a belief that would require some serious faith.
Yes, Paul Skenes looks like a future ace, and their farm system is strong, but Seattle is much closer to contending right now.
Still, a return to the Mariners isn’t a slam dunk either.
Suárez’s second stint in Seattle had its ups and downs. Offensively, he regressed last season, particularly at home in T-Mobile Park, where his power numbers dipped.
Defensively, he’s no longer the reliable glove he once was. Those are real concerns, and the Mariners know it.
But here’s the thing: if the trade for Donovan doesn’t materialize, and Suárez remains unsigned, the economics could start to make sense. Early offseason projections had him landing a deal in the $63-72 million range over three years.
ESPN had him at two years, $45 million. None of that has happened.
He’s still on the market, and the leverage is slipping.
Ryan Divish of The Seattle Times previously reported that Seattle might consider something in the range of two years, $30 million. But if the market stays cold, that number could drop even further - potentially to a one-year deal around $10 million with performance incentives.
At that price? The risk becomes manageable.
You're not betting on Suárez to carry the offense. You're betting that he can still run into 25 home runs, be a positive clubhouse presence, and maybe recapture some of that ALCS magic when it matters most.
So while a third go-round in Seattle isn’t Plan A, it’s not off the table either. And if things keep trending the way they are, it just might be the best option for both sides.