From Near-Retirement to Home Run Hero: The Eugenio Suarez Story
It’s hard to believe that just a few years ago, Eugenio Suarez’s career seemed all but over. After a disastrous 2021 season in Cincinnati, where he hit below the Mendoza Line and posted a negative bWAR (-0.5), many thought his days in the majors were numbered. But baseball is a game of second chances, and Suarez’s story took a dramatic turn. Traded to Seattle in what was essentially a salary dump, he defied expectations, delivering 6.5 bWAR over two seasons before being shipped to Arizona in a similar deal. And this is where the real magic happened. But here’s where it gets controversial: Was Suarez’s resurgence a fluke, or did he truly rediscover his form? Let’s dive in.
2025 Player Review: Eugenio Suarez
Overview
- Rating: 8.25
- 2025 Stats: 106 G, .248/.320/.576 = .897 OPS, 36 HR, 87 RBI, 3.3 bWAR
- Date of Birth: July 18, 1991 (Age 33 season)
- 2025 Earnings: $15 million
- 2026 Status: Free Agent
Suarez’s 2025 campaign with the Diamondbacks was nothing short of remarkable. After a strong finish in 2024, he became a cornerstone of Arizona’s offense, fully justifying the $15 million option. In just 106 games, he smashed 36 home runs, tying for fifth on the franchise’s single-season list. And this is the part most people miss: Had he stayed in Arizona, Suarez might have become the team’s first 50-home run hitter since Luis Gonzalez in 2001. Instead, he etched his name in history as the only player in Diamondbacks history to hit a home run every four games across multiple seasons, totaling 66 HR in 264 games. Remarkably, he matched his Seattle home run total (36) in over 100 fewer games with Arizona.
Suarez’s season started with a bang—literally. He opened with four home runs in three games, followed by a game-changing grand slam against the Yankees. His power surge continued, with all five of his first hits being home runs. However, Suarez’s streaky nature soon became apparent. After a three-week cold spell where he batted just .136 with a .467 OPS, fans were reminded of his boom-or-bust tendencies. But here’s the kicker: Suarez always seemed to bounce back.
On April 26, he joined baseball’s most exclusive club, becoming just the 20th player in MLB history to hit four home runs in a single game against the Braves. This feat earned him the Single-game Performance of the Year award and his second of four NL Player of the Week honors—a rarity since the award’s inception in 1973. His final stretch with Arizona was equally impressive, including a seven-home run spree in 18 at-bats before being traded back to Seattle.
The Trade and Beyond
With the Diamondbacks falling out of contention, Suarez became a hot trade commodity—the first player with 35+ HR to be dealt mid-season. The Mariners paid a steep price, parting with three of their top 20 prospects for just two months of Suarez. While he added 13 home runs in Seattle, his performance dipped, with a .189 average and a striking 35.9% K% compared to 26.8% in Arizona. Despite helping the Mariners reach the ALCS, his postseason performance was underwhelming, with a .700 OPS and 18 strikeouts in 51 plate appearances.
2026 Outlook
Now a free agent for the first time, Suarez’s future is uncertain. MLB Trade Rumors ranks him as the #20 free agent, projecting a three-year, $63 million deal. Potential destinations include the Reds, Red Sox, and Cubs, with a reunion in Seattle not off the table. Mariners GM Jerry Dipoto praised Suarez’s clubhouse presence, saying, “His steady presence, great makeup, and daily contributions are hard to replicate.” However, a return to Arizona seems unlikely, as the team has shown no interest in the 34-year-old.
Thought-Provoking Question: Is Eugenio Suarez a player teams should invest in long-term, or is his value tied to short-term power surges? Share your thoughts in the comments—let’s spark a debate!
