The New York Yankees’ biggest need is no secret: they desperately need a third baseman. And there’s no better option at the trade deadline than Eugenio Suárez, the National League leader in home runs with 36 and all of MLB in RBIs with 86. But according to multiple reports, the Yankees may once again find themselves left behind—this time by an old foe from the Pacific Northwest, the Seattle Mariners.
Bleacher Report’s Zachary D. Rymer and the Seattle Time’s Adam Jude both report that the Seattle Mariners, Suárez’s former team, are serious contenders to bring him back. And unlike the Yankees, they have the farm system to make it happen.
If you’re a Yankees fan hoping Brian Cashman pulls off a blockbuster, you may want to temper expectations. The reality is, Seattle wants Suárez, knows Suárez, and can afford Suárez.
The Mariners Hold All the Cards
The Mariners only got five home runs from third base all season. Bringing back Suárez, who slugged 53 bombs for Seattle in 2022 and 2023, would immediately turn a glaring weakness into a strength. But this isn’t just about nostalgia or a feel-good reunion. Seattle is a real contender—one move away from becoming the favorite to win the AL West.
“If Seattle is indeed that desperate for Suárez, there would be little stopping them from bringing him back to the Pacific Northwest,” Rymer wrote.
And the Yankees? They’re four games back in the division, clinging to a Wild Card spot, and loaded with question marks at third base, shortstop, and the bullpen. On paper, Suárez would be a perfect fit—power, experience, and playoff pedigree. But Cashman’s depleted farm system and hesitancy to pay top dollar could cost the Yankees again.
This isn’t just about a trade. It’s about a trend. Over the last few seasons, the Yankees have repeatedly whiffed on deadline upgrades while other teams—often with far less payroll—get aggressive. Now the same could happen again.
Suárez isn’t just hot—he’s scorching. Dating back to last June, he’s hit .281/.341/.605 with 60 home runs. Only Aaron Judge and Shohei Ohtani have more over that span. He’s crushing both lefties and righties and is finally an All-Star again after a rough start in Arizona. The $15 million remaining on his contract? For that kind of production, it’s a steal.
And if the Arizona Diamondbacks make him available, it won’t be for long. Arizona are out of contention and may be tempted to retool with young pitching. That’s where Seattle shines—offering better arms and more upper-level depth than New York. The Yankees can’t match what the Mariners can dangle.
Plan B? There Isn’t One That Matches
Sure, the Yankees could pivot to names like Ke’Bryan Hayes or Ryan McMahon if they miss on Suárez. Both are fine. Both would help. But neither is the bat that would make a real October difference.
Missing on Suárez would be a gut punch, especially if he lands with a direct competitor. The Yankees can’t afford to settle for “fine” while trying to chase down the Blue jays and fend off the Red Sox, and Rays in the Wild Card hunt.
This is the move they need. This is the move they are unlikely to make. And come October, it might be the move that haunts them.
Because if Suárez ends up back in Seattle, the Yankees will be watching a playoff run powered by the very bat they didn’t fight hard enough to get.
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