The Trade Winds Blow: Eugenio Suárez's Future in Limbo

As the MLB trade deadline approaches, the spotlight is firmly on Eugenio Suárez, the slugging third baseman who has become a hot commodity in the league. The 34-year-old, currently playing with the Arizona Diamondbacks, is the top impending free agent hitter available, and several teams are vying for his services. Recent reports indicate that the Cincinnati Reds, one of Suárez’s former teams, have expressed interest, but a deal between the Reds and the Diamondbacks is deemed a “long shot” by MLB.com’s Mark Feinsand.

The Diamondbacks have found themselves straddling the buy/sell line for weeks, but their recent sweep by the Houston Astros may have sealed their fate as sellers. With a record that currently sits three games below .500 and 5.5 games back of the final playoff spot, the D-Backs are likely to prioritize trading Suárez rather than holding onto him for a qualifying offer at season’s end. This is particularly relevant as they face off against the Pittsburgh Pirates and Detroit Tigers in the coming days, which could further clarify their standings before the deadline.

Suárez’s journey in the MLB has been a rollercoaster ride. After a successful seven-year stint with the Reds, where he earned down-ballot MVP support during his peak years, he was traded to the Seattle Mariners. Just two years later, he found himself with the Diamondbacks. Despite a rocky start to the current season, Suárez has emerged as one of the league’s most prolific hitters, leading the National League with 36 home runs. Over the past year, only superstars Shohei Ohtani and Aaron Judge have surpassed his home run tally, and his .938 OPS is among the best in the league.

With the D-Backs likely to sell, they are focusing on acquiring controllable pitching talent in any potential trade. Reports suggest they are interested in Cincinnati pitching prospect Chase Petty, who, despite a challenging start to his MLB career, showcases promising velocity and ranks as the Reds’ #5 prospect. However, Cincinnati is unlikely to part with their top prospects, especially those who have shown potential, like last year’s #2 overall pick Chase Burns.

Cincinnati finds itself in a competitive Wild Card race, trailing by 2.5 games, and has a pressing need for offensive reinforcements. Their struggles against left-handed pitching, illustrated by a dismal .219 batting average, highlight the necessity for a right-handed bat like Suárez. While an outfielder may be the primary target, adding depth at third base could allow the Reds to utilize Noelvi Marte more frequently in right field.

As the clock ticks down to the trade deadline, all eyes will be on Suárez and the teams that are eager to bolster their rosters. The next few days could be pivotal not just for Suárez but for the playoff aspirations of multiple teams in the league. With his impressive performance this season, the slugger’s future remains uncertain, but one thing is clear: his impact on the field is undeniable, and he could be the missing piece for a team looking to make a postseason push.