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Can the Yankees Beat Out Rivals for All-Star Slugger in Trade Deadline Push?

Originally posted on Athlon Sports | By Kristie Ackert | Last updated Jul 2, 2025 12:24 PM ET

The New York Yankees fans may be dreaming of slugger Eugenio Suarez coming in after the MLB trade deadline and playing third base in the Bronx.

But they’re far from alone in coveting the All-Star third baseman.

According to ESPN’s David Schoenfield, multiple contenders are expected to make a push for the Diamondbacks slugger, and the Yankees American League rivals may be in a better position to land him.

Detroit has the kind of prospect depth that can force the Yankees to either overpay or pivot. They can plug Suarez in at third, move Zach McKinstry back into a utility role, and suddenly the Tigers look a lot more dangerous in October. Suarez’s right-handed power fits perfectly between Detroit’s lefty hitters Kerry Carpenter and Riley Greene.

Seattle, meanwhile, has a glaring third base hole and plenty of motivation. The Mariners have gotten minimal production from the position and are reportedly still kicking themselves for trading Suarez to Arizona in a cost-cutting move after 2023. A reunion makes a lot of sense for Seattle especially with Cal Raleigh carrying the offense right now.

So what does that mean for the Yankees?

Well, first: the price just went up. If Brian Cashman wants to seriously pursue Suarez, he’ll have to contend with teams that have both the motivation and the minor league capital to win a bidding war.

And if the Yankees do land him, the next step isn’t easy.

Adding Suarez means Jazz Chisholm Jr. likely moves back to second base. That pushes DJ LeMahieu out of a starting role and creates a real roster crunch. Oswald Peraza would need to stick around as the backup shortstop.

That’s why a reunion with Isiah Kiner-Falefa might make more sense. He brings infield versatility, won’t cost a top prospect, and wouldn’t force the Yankees into the kind of roster gymnastics that Suarez would.

There’s a lot to like about Suarez in pinstripes. But there’s a lot standing in the way, too. And this time, it might not just be Arizona’s asking price. The Yankees could be battling Detroit and Seattle in July just to be in position to face them again in October.

This article first appeared on Athlon Sports and was syndicated with permission.

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