Arizona Diamondbacks third baseman Eugenio Suárez is shaping up to be one of the most sought-after trade targets as the deadline approaches. Suárez, recently named to the NL All-Star team, is in the final year of his contract, making him a prime candidate to be moved—a common scenario for pending free agents on teams looking to retool. However, for any deal to materialize, Suárez must remain healthy. That became a concern after the 33-year-old was hit on the hand by a pitch during the All-Star Game, sparking understandable worry among fans about his status moving forward.
This particular angle of the pitch that struck Eugenio Suárez has understandably alarmed Diamondbacks fans — as well as fans of potential trade suitors like the Mets and Yankees. Although Suárez remained in the game after being hit, concern remains. He is expected to undergo an MRI following the All-Star Game to assess the extent of the injury and determine whether a stint on the injured list will be necessary.
Eugenio Suarez injury could have an impact on MLB trade deadline
In his most recent trade deadline column, ESPN’s Jeff Passan gave Eugenio Suárez a 50 percent chance of being dealt. The veteran third baseman has been connected to several teams in need of infield help, including the Mets, Yankees, Tigers, and Cubs. The Yankees, in particular, have an opening at third base after parting ways with DJ LeMahieu about a week ago, and GM Brian Cashman is reportedly looking to upgrade the position. Here’s what Passan had to say about the situation:
“Suárez is in a contract year and, despite turning 34 before the trade deadline, he’s performing close to career bests in key offensive categories like isolated power and wRC+,” Jeff Passan wrote in his column. “While his defensive metrics have slipped in recent seasons, he remains a serviceable third baseman. Even if the Diamondbacks choose not to trade all of their impending free agents, Suárez could still be on the move — especially with top prospect Jordan Lawlar excelling in Triple-A and ready to step in at third base.”
Speaking for the Cubs, Mets and Tigers
Eugenio Suárez has already launched 30 home runs this season and carries an impressive .889 OPS, reinforcing his value as one of the top bats potentially available at the trade deadline. Defensively, he remains reliable enough to step in at third base for any team with a need at the position.
The Mets, who have long struggled to secure a long-term answer at third, could view Suárez as both a short-term solution at the hot corner and a potential DH or corner infield option. The Tigers, meanwhile, have publicly shut down interest in Alex Bregman—despite the possibility he could command a \$200 million deal from the Red Sox this winter—making Suárez a more affordable and appealing alternative. The Cubs, who are pushing all their chips in this season, may also be in the mix. With Matt Shaw still developing and not quite ready to take on full-time third base duties, Chicago could see Suárez as a stabilizing veteran presence for a playoff run.
