The Pittsburgh Pirates are aggressively seeking a solution to a chronic issue that has plagued their performance for several seasons: a severe lack of power hitting in the heart of their batting order. This urgency follows a dismal 2025 campaign where the team finished dead last in Major League Baseball with a mere 117 home runs.
Why Eugenio Suarez Emerges as the Prime Target
In their quest for an immediate offensive upgrade, the Pirates' front office has identified veteran third baseman Eugenio Suarez as a primary candidate. Suarez is coming off a remarkably productive season, having blasted 49 home runs and driven in 118 runs, placing him among the league's elite power hitters despite a .228 batting average. His profile directly attacks Pittsburgh's weaknesses, as the team also ranked near the bottom in slugging percentage (.350) and isolated power (.119).
While the Pirates have already made moves by adding Ryan O'Hearn and acquiring Brandon Lowe via trade, the third base position remains unstable. Suarez, 34, offers not just proven power but also valuable experience for a relatively young roster. Notably, he has historically hit well at PNC Park, boasting an impressive .882 OPS over 65 career games there.
A Creative Sign-and-Trade Scenario with Seattle
Rather than a conventional free-agent signing, discussions are centering around a potential sign-and-trade agreement. The proposed framework involves Pittsburgh signing Suarez to a contract—projected to be around three years and $63 million—and then immediately trading him to the Seattle Mariners.
In return, the Pirates would seek prospects or a controllable pitcher like Emerson Hancock. This structure allows Pittsburgh to acquire much-needed talent without surrendering its own prospects, aligning with their strategy of staying competitive while managing a payroll projected to be near $125 million. Seattle's previous experience with Suarez during his tenure there reduces their acquisition risk.
Such a move would necessitate a roster adjustment for the Pirates, potentially shifting Jared Triolo or Nick Gonzales to shortstop to accommodate the new configuration.
Weighing the Substantial Power Against Clear Risks
The potential acquisition of Eugenio Suarez is not without significant concerns that the Pirates must carefully consider:
- High Strikeout Rate: Suarez's power comes with a frequent tendency to strike out.
- Limited On-Base Ability: He offers modest on-base value, with a .298 OBP in 2025.
- Defensive Limitations: His defense at third base is not considered a strength.
- Payroll Pressure: A $21 million annual salary would strain the budget unless another contract is moved.
However, for a franchise determined to climb out of the league's lower tier, Suarez represents a direct and powerful answer to their most glaring problem. His 2025 season was consistently powerful, maintaining a high slugging percentage both before and after the mid-season trade deadline. The Pirates' desperate need for run production may well outweigh the associated risks, making Eugenio Suarez a compelling, if imperfect, solution for their long-standing power outage.
