The Yankees are in need of some additional power in the infield, and Eugenio Suárez could provide just that. Recently, the focus has been on veteran infielders as potential trade targets, highlighting the Yankees’ situation in 2024. Despite some good performances from Anthony Volpe and DJ LeMahieu, the infield has generally struggled, including players like Anthony Rizzo and Gleyber Torres. As the trade deadline approaches, boosting the infield seems like an obvious move, and Suárez could be a fitting addition.
Since 2019, Aaron Judge leads the league in home runs with 236, but not far behind him, in sixth place, is Suárez. He has established himself as one of the premier power hitters, reaching an All-Star level at his peak. In 2018-19, he showcased his talent by hitting 34 and 49 home runs, respectively, achieving a 132 wRC+ and averaging 4.4 fWAR per season at third base. While he has a high strikeout rate near 30 percent, he also maintained a walk rate above 10 percent, always posing a power threat.
Although his peak was five seasons ago, Suárez has still been productive in recent years. He had a slight dip in performance during the shortened 2020 and the following 2021 season but continued to show power. After being traded to the Mariners in a salary dump along with Jesse Winker, Suárez had two solid seasons in Seattle, nearly reaching his peak form in 2022 with a 130 wRC+ and 4.2 fWAR.
In 2024, now with Arizona, Suárez has hit a rough patch, with an 89 wRC+ through 96 games, his lowest since becoming a full-time player in 2016 (excluding 2020). His strikeout rate remains high at 29.6 percent, leading the league in strikeouts since 2018. Despite hitting only 22 home runs last season and 11 so far this season, Suárez has shown improvement recently, slashing .304/.391/.643 since July, including five home runs this month, indicating he can still deliver power.
For the Yankees, whose third basemen have collectively posted a 70 wRC+, even a somewhat diminished Suárez would be an upgrade. At 32 years old, with a club option for 2025, he could be an affordable acquisition. Considering the Yankees’ need for a third baseman, pursuing Suárez at the trade deadline could be a wise move.
Leave a Reply