Eugenio Suarez would be a fine consolation prize for Red Sox despite red flags

The Boston Red Sox have a significant hole in the lineup at third base.

Alex Bregman had signed a three-year, $120 million contract with an opt-out after each year during the 2024-25 offseason. After a strong showing in Boston, where he posted a .273/.360/.462 batting line with 18 homers and 28 doubles, Bregman triggered the opt-out clause, re-entering the market. The Red Sox reportedly consider retaining Bregman a priority due to his offense and the defensive upgrade he provided at the hot corner.

There is also no guarantee that Bregman will remain in Boston. As such, the Red Sox are looking at other options. According to Alex Speier of the Boston Globe, those options include third baseman Eugenio Suarez.

Eugenio Suarez would give the Boston Red Sox a needed power bat in the middle of the lineup

Speier noted that the Red Sox regard Suarez as a fallback option at third if Bregman signs elsewhere. He could also be an option at first in Boston, filling another need in the lineup. As Suarez cost the Mariners and Diamondbacks a combined eight runs in 2025, a move across the diamond could make sense.

Suarez would be an immediate upgrade in the lineup regardless of where he would fit defensively. He produced a .228/.298/.526 batting line with 46 homers over his 657 plate appearances. 

There are some red flags with Suarez. His tendency to strike out had been somewhat mitigated by his ability to draw a walk, but his walk percentage dropped to 7.3% over the past two seasons, a 3.8% decrease from his average over the previous six seasons. Suarez will also turn 35 years old during the 2025 season, making a longer-term contract a risk.

However, Suarez has continued to make loud contact and hit for power. A three-year deal may be palatable, especially given the premium paid for proven power bats. If the Red Sox are unable to bring Bregman back to Boston, Suarez could be the next third baseman taking aim at the Green Monster.