Three potential landing spots for free-agent third baseman Eugenio Suarez

Third baseman Eugenio Suarez solidified his case last season as the best power hitter available in free agency in 2025.

Suarez posted a .228/.298/.526 batting line in his 657 plate appearances between the Arizona Diamondbacks and Seattle Mariners, hitting 49 homers and 28 doubles. His power was on full display on April 29 as he became the 19th player in MLB history to belt four home runs in a game. He is a proven run producer, having driven at least 100 runs four times, including a career-best 118 RBI in 2025.

Suarez, who will turn 35 on July 18, does not have the upside of Japanese third basemen Munetaka Murakami and Kazuma Okamoto. However, he has a proven track record in the majors that Murakami and Okamoto do not. Although he may be limited to a two- or three-year contract because of his age, Suarez can still be a difference-maker in the middle of a lineup.

Three potential landing spots for Eugenio Suarez in free agency

1. Pittsburgh Pirates

The Pirates had was one of the least productive lineups in the majors in 2025, ranking 28th in the majors with a .678 OPS. Outfielder O'Neil Cruz led the Pirates with 20 homers; only four other players hit as many as 10 home runs last season. Two of the four, outfielder Tommy Pham and designated hitter Andrew McCutchen, are free agents. Cruz was also the only player on the Pirates with at least 20 homers in 2024 as well.

For the Pirates to take a significant step forward and contend in 2026, they must address the lineup. Suarez would be an immediate upgrade at third, providing a power element that the Pirates have been missing since 2019, when Josh Bell (37 homers) was the last player to hit 30+ homers in Pittsburgh. Suarez alone would not solve Pittsburgh's offensive woes, but he would be a good start to revamping the middle of the lineup.

2. Cincinnati Reds

Suarez emerged as a star during his first stint with the Reds, hitting at least 25 homers four times and was on pace for a 40-home run season during the pandemic-shortened 2020 season. He was traded to the Mariners ahead of the 2022 season, but remained on the Reds' radar as they reportedly were interested in a reunion ahead of the 2025 trade deadline.

That interest may extend into Suarez's free agency. Reds third basemen ranked 26th in the majors with a .637 OPS and 24th with 14 home runs. The Reds may have their third baseman of the future in prospect Sal Stewart, but first baseman Spencer Steer has been unable to replicate his strong rookie campaign from 2023. Gavin Lux served as Cincinnati's primary designated hitter and is best served as a utility option. Suarez could fill a variety of holes in the lineup for a team looking to return to the postseason in 2026.

3. Detroit Tigers

Third base was one of the biggest holes in Detroit's lineup in 2025. Detroit third basemen hit just 11 home runs and ranked 27th in the majors with a .628 OPS. Utilityman Zack McKinstry took over as the Tigers' primary third baseman and had a solid year, making his first All-Star Game and winning the Silver Slugger for utility players, but he was a part of Detroit's second-half struggles. He posted a .213/.278/.378 batting line in 180 plate appearances after the All-Star Break, hitting four homers and nine doubles.

A return to Detroit would be a homecoming for Suarez as he initially signed with the Tigers as part of the 2008 international signing class. The Tigers were interested in bringing him back ahead of the 2025 trade deadline before he was sent to Seattle.

 Suarez would be an immediate upgrade in the lineup, pairing with first baseman Spencer Torkelson and outfielder Riley Greene to give Detroit a dangerous trio in the batting order. As LHP Tarik Skubal is slated to become a free agent after the 2026 season, the Tigers' window of opportunity may be rapidly closing. Adding Suarez would help make the most of what could be Skubal's final season in Detroit.