Pirates Exploring Trade for Veteran Third Baseman Eugenio Suarez

The Pittsburgh Pirates keep hunting for ways to modernize and boost an offense that really struggled in 2025. Their latest reported interest could turn into the biggest splash of the winter.

Free-agent slugger Eugenio Suárez, one of last season’s top power hitters, has landed on Pittsburgh’s radar. The club seems to be weighing bold options to reshape its lineup.

Why the Pirates Are Exploring a Power Upgrade

The Pirates finished at or near the bottom of Major League Baseball in almost every meaningful power category last season. That ugly reality pushed their front office into action.

Pittsburgh ranked last in home runs, slugging percentage, and isolated power. It became pretty clear that small tweaks wouldn’t cut it.

Adding proven power now sits at the top of their to-do list, and Suárez fits that need perfectly. His track record as a middle-of-the-order hitter could finally address a lineup that’s struggled to score without stringing together a bunch of hits.

How Eugenio Suárez Fits the Pirates’ Needs

Suárez’s power production in 2025 speaks for itself. The veteran third baseman launched 49 home runs, tying him for fifth-most in MLB.

He put up a .526 slugging percentage, which ranked 10th among qualified hitters. Those numbers alone make him a tempting target for a team desperate for pop.

But his offensive profile isn’t flawless. Suárez hit just .228 with a .298 on-base percentage, and he struck out a lot.

His value almost entirely hinges on his home run power.

• 49 home runs in 2025 (5th in MLB)
• .526 slugging percentage (10th among qualified hitters)
• High strikeout rate and limited on-base skills

Concerns About Fit, Age, and Park Factors

Suárez’s raw power is obvious, but his performance after a trade from the Arizona Diamondbacks to the Seattle Mariners last season raised some eyebrows. His production took a noticeable dip, which makes you wonder about his consistency and ability to adapt.

PNC Park’s pitcher-friendly dimensions add another layer of uncertainty. It’s fair to question whether Suárez’s fly-ball-heavy approach would work as well in Pittsburgh as it did in more hitter-friendly parks.

Defense and Age Working Against Suárez

At 34, Suárez carries some age-related risk. His defense at third base has become a concern, and any further decline could force a move to another position or cut into his value.

MLB Trade Rumors projects his contract at three years and $63 million. That’s a reasonable figure for his power, but it’s not exactly a bargain, either.

Pirates’ Willingness to Spend Signals Serious Interest

The Pirates have already shown a more aggressive approach this offseason. The team signed Ryan O’Hearn to a two-year, $29 million deal, and they reportedly went after Kyle Schwarber before pivoting elsewhere.

This new willingness to spend hints that Pittsburgh could stretch its payroll to land Suárez, especially if his market doesn’t heat up.

Competition and Intangibles Could Tip the Scale

Reportedly, the Seattle Mariners, Boston Red Sox, and Chicago Cubs are also interested. None of those clubs seem desperate, though, so Pittsburgh might have an opening if Suárez wants a clear role and a shot at leadership.

Suárez’s clubhouse presence gets a lot of praise, and the Pirates’ young roster could use a veteran who’s been through playoff hunts and high-pressure moments.

A Calculated Gamble With Real Upside

For the Pirates, signing Eugenio Suárez would be a calculated gamble. There’s some risk here—age, defense, and that batting average all raise questions.

But the upside? Suárez brings a power bat that could instantly make him the team’s most dangerous hitter. If Pittsburgh wants its biggest offensive upgrade yet, maybe this is the bold move that finally changes the narrative around the franchise.

 
Here is the source article for this story: Pirates Interested In Eugenio Suarez