Tigers Urged To Reunite With Familiar Face By Former MLB Executive

The Detroit Tigers entered Thursday with the best record in the American League, but they will likely be looking to add a corner infielder before the trade deadline arrives. The Tigers have been without third baseman and outfielder Matt Vierling for all but four games this season, and although Vierling began his throwing progression Sunday, former MLB executive Jim Bowden of The Athletic believes the team may look to reunite with Arizona Diamondbacks third baseman Eugenio Suárez.

Zach McKinstry and Andy Ibanez have been the primary third base tandem for the Tigers this season, with Jace Jung and Javier Baez filling in from time to time. With Baez’s resurgent season and versatility combined with the struggles of Jung, the Tigers could look to fill third base with someone outside of the organization in the second half of the season.

Enter Suárez. The veteran right-handed slugger began his career with the Tigers and is on pace to hit 30 or more home runs this season for the fourth time in the last five seasons. With the Diamondbacks entering Thursday with a record of 34-34, they may not sell at the deadline, but the Tigers will be in an aggressive mode that may swing the Diamondbacks to make a deal if they lose more ground within the National League West.

Suárez will be a free agent after this season, and if the Diamondbacks are not in a competitive position at the trade deadline, he may be a piece that many teams are after in the trade market. Suárez’s power is going to be a hot commodity if available come July.

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