Eugenio Suárez, one of Major League Baseball’s most dynamic third basemen, made headlines with his 2023 trade to the Seattle Mariners. Known for his power at the plate and leadership in the clubhouse, Suárez’s move brought both excitement and strategic depth to the Mariners’ roster. This article dives deep into the details of the trade, his performance with Seattle, his 2023 statistics, and what his presence meant for the franchise.
Who is Eugenio Suárez?
Eugenio Alejandro Suárez, born on July 18, 1991, in Puerto Ordaz, Venezuela, began his MLB career with the Detroit Tigers in 2014 before flourishing with the Cincinnati Reds. He quickly gained attention for his powerful swing, hitting 49 home runs in 2019, the most ever in a season by a National League third baseman.
Before joining Seattle, Suárez was considered one of the league’s most productive infielders, though his performance dipped slightly due to injuries and plate discipline concerns.
Eugenio Suárez’s Trade to the Mariners in 2023
Background of the Trade
Suárez was traded from the Cincinnati Reds to the Seattle Mariners on March 14, 2023, in a move that aimed to strengthen Seattle’s infield while giving the Reds payroll flexibility and young assets.
The trade details were:
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Seattle Mariners received:
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Eugenio Suárez (3B)
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Jesse Winker (OF)
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Cincinnati Reds received:
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Justin Dunn (RHP)
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Jake Fraley (OF)
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Brandon Williamson (LHP)
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A player to be named later (Connor Phillips)
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This trade was a bold step by the Mariners’ front office, signaling their ambition to compete in the postseason.
Why Did the Mariners Trade for Suárez?
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Power Bat at Third Base: With 189 career home runs by the end of 2022, Suárez brought power Seattle needed from the hot corner.
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Veteran Experience: Suárez had playoff experience and leadership qualities that complemented Seattle’s young core.
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Defensive Upgrade: Despite his errors in the past, Suárez had shown improved range and glove work.
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Clubhouse Presence: Known for his positive attitude and camaraderie, he was seen as a morale booster for the team.
Eugenio Suárez’s Stats with Seattle Mariners (2023 Season)
In the 2023 MLB season, Eugenio Suárez played a pivotal role for the Mariners both offensively and defensively.
Here’s a breakdown of his 2023 season statistics with the Mariners:
| Category | Stats |
|---|---|
| Games Played | 162 |
| At Bats | 609 |
| Hits | 143 |
| Home Runs | 22 |
| RBIs | 96 |
| Batting Average | .234 |
| On-Base % | .323 |
| Slugging % | .391 |
| OPS | .714 |
| Walks | 75 |
| Strikeouts | 214 |
| Fielding % | .970 |
| WAR (Wins Above Replacement) | 3.2 |
Analysis of Stats
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Consistency: Suárez played all 162 games, showcasing his durability.
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Power Numbers: 22 home runs and 96 RBIs reflect a consistent power output.
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Strikeouts: His high strikeout total (214) remained a concern, but it came with significant run production.
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Defense: A .970 fielding percentage demonstrated reliability at third base.
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WAR: A 3.2 WAR underscored his valuable all-around contribution.
Eugenio Suárez’s Highlights with the Mariners
1. Game-Winning Performances
Suárez hit multiple clutch home runs, including walk-offs that energized the fan base and propelled the Mariners during tight playoff races.
2. Leadership
He emerged as a team leader, mentoring players like Julio Rodríguez and J.P. Crawford, especially during rough patches in the season.
3. Playoff Push
Suárez was instrumental in the Mariners’ late-season push for the Wild Card, hitting .293 with 5 home runs in September alone.
Mariners’ Fans Reaction to Suárez’s 2023 Season
Eugenio Suárez quickly became a fan favorite in Seattle. Nicknamed “Geno” by fans, his enthusiastic play, fun personality, and trademark smile won over the Pacific Northwest. His powerful home runs, especially at T-Mobile Park, created electrifying moments.
Fans appreciated his humility and willingness to sign autographs, engage with the community, and speak positively about his teammates.
Eugenio Suárez Stats on Baseball-Reference
How Did the Trade Impact the Mariners?
Positives:
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Stabilized Third Base: Suárez gave the Mariners reliable defense and a solid presence at third.
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Middle of the Order Hitter: His power was crucial for run production.
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Mentorship: He provided guidance for Seattle’s younger players.
Negatives:
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Strikeouts: Despite his value, Suárez’s high K-rate sometimes stalled innings.
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Contract: His remaining salary (over $11 million annually) was considered hefty by some.
However, the net impact was clearly positive, as Seattle remained in postseason contention until the final week.
Comparison with His Reds Tenure
| Stat | With Reds (Avg per season) | 2023 with Mariners |
|---|---|---|
| Batting Average | .247 | .234 |
| HRs | 32 | 22 |
| RBIs | 87 | 96 |
| OPS | .805 | .714 |
While his power numbers slightly dipped, his RBIs improved due to better situational hitting with the Mariners.
Will Eugenio Suárez Stay in Seattle?
As of late 2023, rumors began swirling about potential trade talks involving Suárez due to his contract and the Mariners’ focus on youth development. However, team management confirmed in offseason interviews that Suárez was “a valued member of the clubhouse” and expected to start at third base in 2024.
Still, with prospects like Tyler Locklear on the rise, Seattle faces long-term decisions at the position.
Eugenio Suárez’s Legacy with the Mariners
In just one season, Suárez made a lasting impression on the Seattle Mariners franchise. His blend of power, professionalism, and positivity helped shift the Mariners’ clubhouse culture.
He is remembered for:
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His clutch home runs
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All 162 games played
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Infectious smile and personality
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Guiding the team through tense moments in the AL playoff race
What’s Next for Eugenio Suárez?
Looking ahead to the 2024 MLB season, Suárez’s goals include:
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Improving his strikeout rate
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Increasing his OPS to .800+
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Helping the Mariners clinch a postseason berth
He has been working in the offseason to fine-tune his swing and is expected to be a key piece of Seattle’s lineup once again.
Final Thoughts
Eugenio Suárez’s 2023 trade to the Seattle Mariners was one of the more impactful deals in recent team history. While not without challenges, his overall performance—both statistically and culturally—was a net win for the franchise. His combination of durability, power, and leadership helped elevate the Mariners as a legitimate playoff contender.
With one successful year under his belt, all eyes will be on “Geno” in 2024 to see if he can help take the team to the next level.
