The Seattle Mariners have some important decisions to make this offseason as they navigate player contracts and potential trades. While they successfully retained Josh Naylor, they lost Jorge Polanco to the New York Mets through free agency, leaving them in a precarious position. One key player still on the market is Eugenio Suarez, whose future with the team remains uncertain.
MLB.com’s Anthony Castrovince has predicted that Suarez could be targeted by the Pittsburgh Pirates, which may pose a significant challenge for the Mariners. With Polanco’s departure, the loss of Suarez would be felt deeply in Seattle, especially since they might struggle to secure Brendan Donovan through a trade. The Pirates, having traded third baseman Ke’Bryan Hayes to the Reds, could potentially slot Suarez into that position, thereby enhancing their lineup and helping them escape the last place in the National League Central.
Suarez’s performance has been impressive; he joined the Mariners from the Arizona Diamondbacks last trade deadline and concluded the season with 49 home runs, 118 RBIs, and an .824 OPS. His contributions were also notable during the postseason, further solidifying his value to the Mariners. While the Mariners have the budget to potentially match any short-term deal Suarez might consider—especially with the Naylor signing—they recognize that not retaining him could necessitate a search for alternative players like Bo Bichette.
Despite the Pittsburgh Pirates not traditionally being heavy spenders, their increased activity this offseason indicates they could threaten the Mariners’ chances of keeping Suarez. As the season approaches, the landscape of Suarez’s market will be intriguing, and Seattle must act quickly if they wish to retain his services. The Mariners will need to weigh all options carefully to ensure their lineup is competitive for the 2026 season.