The longtime infielder was put on waivers by the Cincinnati Reds on Wednesday.
On Wednesday night, the Cincinnati Reds placed veteran infielder Eugenio Suarez on irrevocable waivers, meaning that teams will have a chance to claim him.
That information instantly prompted Seattle Mariners fans to call for a reunion between Suarez and the team, who he has already played for twice before.
Here's what you need to know.
About Suarez
A 13-year veteran of the Detroit Tigers, Reds, Mariners and Arizona Diamondbacks, Suarez is universally regarded as a great clubhouse presence. His "good vibes only" mantra has helped the Mariners in the past and could certainly be of use again as the team battles for a second consecutive playoff spot. The M's last two playoff trips (2022, 2025) included Suarez.
One of the best power hitters in baseball over the last decade, he's got 344 career home runs and 1,006 RBIs.
This season? He's struggled in Cincinnati, hitting .208 with 19 homers and 57 RBIs. The power is still there, but it's noteworthy that he isn't hit for average in a notoriously great hitters park. He also hit .189 with the Mariners in 53 games last season, so the average has slumped for a calendar year at this point.
What about the M's situation?
Well, in a perfect world, Brendan Donovan would serve as the team's third baseman, with JP Crawford also having the ability to play there.
The Mariners also have Weston Wilson, who has done an adequate job offensively, but isn't regarded as a strong defender. Guys like Ryan Bliss, Leo Rivas, Brock Rodden and Michael Arroyo are also infield options, though none of them are really regarded as third basemen.
Bottom line: The Mariners don't have a need for a starting third basemen, though Suarez could be an upgrade over Wilson on the bench when you factor in his history and standing in the M's clubhouse.
Cincinnati Reds designated hitter Eugenio Suarez (28) looks to run against the Arizona Diamondbacks in the fourth inning at Chase Field. Anna Carrington-Imagn ImagesWhat about the money?
Suarez is owed about $2.5 million if claimed. That's a lot of money for five weeks of the season. Is his clubhouse presence worth that much? Would he start to justify the money? Would a bench bat be worth that? These are the things the Mariners have to weigh.
Buster's take
We spoke to ESPN MLB Insider Buster Olney on the 'Refuse to Lose Territory' podcast on Thursday. Here was his take:
"I think there is is no chance that they would do that. It's a lot of money for a player who's been up and down. And you know what's interesting, too, we remember Suarez for the grand slam he hit in the playoffs last year and what a big moment that was. And I've had conversations with other GMs, and they refer to the Mariners deal for Suarez as one that didn't work out last year.
They felt like that he didn't perform that well, that there were signs of regression in the player. And if, in fact, that's what the Mariners believe, on top of the fact that, it's a lot of money, teams don't have $3 million sitting around this time of year. Maybe the Dodgers do, maybe the Mets would be if they had a playoff race.
But when I saw the price: $3 million for essentially a month of action, five weeks, unless he was playing well or there was just such an acute need for the team, I don't think there's any chance they would consider it, but we'll see. Maybe I'm wrong."
Up next
The Mariners are off on Thursday but will be back in action on Friday from Toronto as they open a three-game series with the Blue Jays. The M's are 2.5 games back in the American League West.
