Could Tigers $66 Million Reunion With Hottest Hitter In Baseball Be In Cards?

The Detroit Tigers are one of the best teams in baseball, but they still need to add on at the trade deadline. ESPN’s Jeff Passan recently called the Tigers one of the best fits in a trade for Arizona Diamondbacks slugger Eugenio Suárez. Suárez began his career with the Tigers in 2014.

“Suárez is in a contract year and playing like one of the best players in baseball. Only Cal Raleigh and Aaron Judge have more home runs than his 35,” Passan wrote. “Despite turning 34 years old before the trade deadline, Suárez is sitting near career highs in isolated power and wRC+ (which measures overall offensive performance). His fielding metrics have declined in recent years, but he’s still an acceptable defender at third base.

“Even if the Diamondbacks don’t offload all their free agents-to-be, Suárez could be moved because they’ve got Jordan Lawlar raking in Triple-A and primed to take over at third.”

Suárez has been the hottest hitter in baseball since the All-Star break. A few days before the All-Star break, the slugger clubbed two home runs against the Los Angeles Angels. Shortly after the All-Star break, Suárez hammered two home runs in back-to-back games, bringing his season total to 35.

The Tigers’ biggest roster hole is at third base. Adding Suárez, who’s on an affordable, expiring contract, to play the position would be a huge boost for the lineup.

Detroit has the prospect capital to outbid the Chicago Cubs, New York Yankees, and other contending teams in a potential bidding war. The Tigers’ farm system is as talented and deep as any unit in the league.

This fit is going to come down to how aggressive the Tigers’ front office wants to be at the deadline. If they’re willing to go all in, Suárez could be headed back to the team he began his career with.

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